noun
sailor's song; boat song; sea shanty
A traditional work song sung by sailors or boatmen, often rhythmic to coordinate rowing or other tasks.
舟歌を歌いながら、漁師たちは網を引いた。
The fishermen pulled the net while singing a boat song.
noun
A musical term for a piece imitating the rhythm of Venetian gondoliers' songs, or a classical composition in that style.
See also: バルカロール
ショパンの舟歌はピアノ曲の中でも特に美しい。
Chopin's Barcarolle is especially beautiful among piano pieces.
The direct loanword from French/Italian, used specifically for the classical music genre; 舟歌 is the native Japanese term that can also refer to actual traditional boat songs.
Compound of 舟 (funa, 'boat') and 歌 (uta, 'song'). The reading funauta is a straightforward combination of the kun'yomi of both characters.