Translation guide
The most common Japanese word for 'singer' is 歌手 (かしゅ). However, the best choice depends on context: whether you mean a professional vocalist, a member of a band, or someone singing informally.
Referring to someone who sings professionally, such as a pop star, opera singer, or recording artist.
The standard, neutral word for a professional singer. Works for any genre.
She is a famous singer.
I want to become a singer.
Loanword from English 'vocalist'. Often used for the lead singer of a band or group, especially in pop/rock contexts.
Loanword from English 'singer'. Often used in compound terms like シンガーソングライター (singer-songwriter) or in music industry contexts.
Specifically a classical vocalist or opera singer. Formal and technical.
Specifying the main singer in a band or idol group.
Commonly used in J-pop and band contexts to refer to the lead vocalist.
Describing someone who is currently singing, like at karaoke or a casual performance.
Literally 'person who is singing'. Use this when you don't mean a professional singer, just someone singing right now.
Referring to singers of traditional Japanese music, such as enka or folk songs.
歌手 implies a professional singer. If you say '彼は歌手です' about a friend who just sings at karaoke, it sounds like you're claiming they are a professional. Use 歌っている人 or describe the action instead.
He is good at singing.
歌手 is the safest, most general term. ボーカリスト emphasizes the role in a band. シンガー is a loanword often used in compound words or trendy contexts, but can sound slightly affected if used alone.
The vocalist of that band is really good.
彼はシンガーソングライターです。
He is a singer-songwriter.
彼女は声楽家としてオペラで活躍している。
She is active in opera as a classical vocalist.
He is the main vocalist of this group.
Similar to メインボーカル, also means lead vocalist.
I am in charge of lead vocals.
Who is that person singing over there?
A more general 'person who sings', but less natural than 歌っている人 for a specific instance.
We were in trouble because there was no one to sing.
Specifically an enka singer. Enka is a genre of sentimental Japanese ballads.
He is a famous enka singer.
A singer of traditional folk songs (min'yō).
A folk singer sang at the festival.