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.
彼は有名なソングライターです。
He is a famous songwriter.
A compound meaning 'lyricist-composer', explicitly someone who does both. More formal and less common in casual speech.
彼女は作詞作曲家として活躍している。
She is active as a songwriter (writing both lyrics and music).
Specifically the person who writes the lyrics.
Standard term for a lyricist. Often used in credits for songs.
この曲の作詞家は誰ですか？
Who is the lyricist for this song?
Specifically the person who writes the music/melody.
Standard term for a composer. Used for both popular and classical music.
彼は多くのヒット曲を作曲した作曲家だ。
He is a composer who has written many hit songs.
A person who writes and performs their own music, often solo.
Loanword, very common. Specifically refers to an artist who both writes and sings their own songs.
彼はシンガーソングライターとしてデビューした。
He debuted as a singer-songwriter.
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.
作詞：山田太郎 / 作曲：佐藤花子
Lyrics: Taro Yamada / Music: Hanako Sato
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.