Translation guide
Describes doing something alone, especially in performance or action. Japanese uses different expressions depending on whether it's a music/dance performance, a comedy act, or just doing something by oneself.
To perform a piece of music, a dance, or similar artistic act alone, without others.
Specifically for instrumental solo performance. Often used in classical music contexts.
彼はピアノの独奏を披露した。
He performed a piano solo.
Solo vocal performance, such as singing alone in a choir or opera setting.
彼女は独唱で美しい歌声を響かせた。
She sang a beautiful solo.
Loanword from English, widely used for any kind of solo performance (music, dance, etc.). Very common in casual and pop culture contexts.
彼はダンスのソロパートを完璧にこなした。
He nailed his dance solo part.
Solo performance, often used for traditional Japanese arts like rakugo or dramatic monologues.
彼は落語の独演会を開いた。
He held a solo rakugo performance.
To do an action or task by oneself, without assistance or company, often in a context where others might be expected.
The most natural way to say 'do it alone' or 'perform solo' in a general sense. Covers any action.
彼は一人でその曲を演奏した。
He performed the piece solo.
一人で全部やるのは大変だ。
It's tough doing everything solo.
More formal, often used in official or written contexts to mean 'carry out independently/solo'.
そのプロジェクトは彼が単独で行った。
He carried out the project solo.
Casual way to say 'do it solo', often used in gaming or informal performance contexts.
この曲、ソロでやるの？
Are you going to perform this song solo?
A performance by a single comedian or entertainer, often stand-up or a one-person show.
Refers to a solo comedian who performs alone, not as part of a duo or group. Common in Japanese comedy.
彼はピン芸人として活動している。
He works as a solo comedian.
A solo comedy sketch performed by one person.
彼の一人コントはいつも面白い。
His solo skits are always funny.
独奏 is strictly for instrumental solos, 独唱 for vocal solos. ソロ is a flexible loanword that can cover both, and is more common in everyday speech for non-classical contexts.
While 単独 means 'solo/independent', it sounds stiff and formal. For everyday actions, use 一人で or ソロで.