Meaning
music
Nuance & Usage
音楽 is the general word for music as an art form or category. For listening: 音楽を聞く (listen to music) — note that 聞く (kiku) and 聴く (kiku) are both read the same but 聴く implies more attentive/active listening. Common types: クラシック音楽 (classical music), ポップ音楽 (pop music), 日本の音楽 (Japanese music). 音楽家 (ongakuka) means musician.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use 音楽をする to mean "to play music," but the natural Japanese is 音楽を演奏する (ensou suru — to perform/play music) for instruments, or simply [instrument]を弾く/吹く/たたく depending on the instrument. Saying 音楽が好き is natural, but 音楽をする for practicing/playing music sounds unnatural to native ears.
Example Sentences
音楽を聴きながら料理をします。
おんがくをききながらりょうりをします。
I cook while listening to music.
どんな音楽が好きですか？
どんなおんがくがすきですか？
What kind of music do you like?
彼女は音楽の才能があります。
かのじょはおんがくのさいのうがあります。
She has a talent for music.
Quick Quiz
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