Translation guide
The English verb 'sing' covers a range of actions from vocal music performance to poetic description. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 歌う (utau), but other verbs are used for specific contexts like chanting, chirping, or reciting.
The most common meaning: a person singing a song, melody, etc.
General verb for singing. Used for songs, lullabies, karaoke, etc.
She sings every day while taking a shower.
Let's sing together.
Alternative kanji for 歌う, often used for traditional or folk songs. Same reading and meaning, but less common in modern writing.
He likes singing folk songs.
Emphasizing the act of singing as a performance, often in a concert, opera, or competition.
Describing animals producing musical or rhythmic sounds, like birds chirping or insects buzzing.
Singing in a monotone or recitative style, such as hymns, sutras, or spells.
Performing epic poems, ballads, or narratives with a musical quality.
Singing the praises of someone or something, often figuratively.
Describing inanimate objects producing a continuous musical or ringing sound.
To sound, ring, or make a noise. For wind or machines, it can be translated as 'sing' poetically.
The wind is singing through the power lines.
To groan, roar, or hum. Can be used for a powerful engine sound, sometimes poetically as 'sing'.
While English uses 'sing' for birds, Japanese uses 鳴く (naku) or さえずる (saezuru). Using 歌う for animals sounds unnatural unless personifying them in a poetic way.
歌う (utau) is for songs with melody; 唱える (tonaeru) is for chanting without a distinct melody, like prayers or spells.
She sang a lullaby to the baby.
The kettle sang on the stove.
Japanese uses onomatopoeia チンチン for the whistling sound.
ウグイスが美しくさえずっている。
The bush warbler is singing beautifully.
The storyteller sang (recited) old tales.
エンジンが力強く唸っている。
The engine is singing powerfully.