うた
このうたはとても有名です。
This song is very famous.
A musical composition with lyrics intended to be sung.
彼女は美しいうたを歌います。
She sings a beautiful song.
このアルバムには10曲のうたが入っています。
This album contains 10 songs.
A short musical piece with lyrics, often part of a larger work like an opera or musical.
オペラのうたを聴きに行きました。
I went to listen to the songs from the opera.
A poem or verse set to music, often with a lyrical or emotional quality.
古典のうたを朗読します。
I recite classical poems set to music.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Distinguishing うた from 曲 (kyoku)
While both うた and 曲 can mean 'song,' うた specifically refers to a song with lyrics, whereas 曲 can refer to any musical piece, including instrumental compositions. For example, ピアノの曲 (piano no kyoku) means 'a piano piece,' which is not sung.
Gold Rule
When to use うた
Use うた when the song has lyrics or is intended to be sung. If the piece is purely instrumental or lacks lyrics, use 曲 (kyoku) instead.
Word Origin
The word うた originates from Old Japanese *uta*, which has roots in Proto-Japonic *unta. It is related to the verb 歌う (utau, 'to sing'). The term has been used since ancient times in Japanese poetry and music, appearing in classical works like the Man'yōshū (8th century).
Usage Notes
In modern Japanese, うた is the most general term for 'song' and is used in both casual and formal contexts. It can refer to any musical composition with lyrics, regardless of genre. The kanji 歌 is also commonly used, but うた is preferred in hiragana for its simplicity and widespread usage.