Translation guide
A person who writes songs, either lyrics, music, or both. In Japanese, the role is often split between lyricist and composer, and the English loanword ソングライター is also used.
The most common, all-encompassing term for a songwriter, covering both lyrics and music.
Loanword from English, widely understood. Can refer to someone who writes both lyrics and music, or just one, depending on context.
He is a famous songwriter.
A compound meaning 'lyricist-composer', explicitly someone who does both. More formal and less common in casual speech.
Specifically the person who writes the lyrics.
Standard term for a lyricist. Often used in credits for songs.
Specifically the person who writes the music/melody.
A person who writes and performs their own music, often solo.
作詞家 (lyricist) writes words, 作曲家 (composer) writes music. ソングライター is a broader term that can mean either or both, similar to English 'songwriter'. In Japanese music credits, they are often listed separately.
Lyrics: Taro Yamada / Music: Hanako Sato
She is active as a songwriter (writing both lyrics and music).
Who is the lyricist for this song?
Standard term for a composer. Used for both popular and classical music.
He is a composer who has written many hit songs.
Loanword, very common. Specifically refers to an artist who both writes and sings their own songs.
He debuted as a singer-songwriter.
ソングライター is well understood, but in formal contexts or when specifying roles, Japanese terms are preferred. For example, in a resume or official profile, use 作詞家 or 作曲家.