和楽器(わがっき)

わがっき
noun
traditional Japanese musical instruments
1. traditional Japanese musical instruments
Musical instruments that originated in or are traditionally associated with Japan.
和楽器(わがっき)の演奏(えんそう)を聴(き)いた。
I listened to a performance of traditional Japanese instruments.
三味線(しゃみせん)は代表的(だいひょうてき)な和楽器(わがっき)だ。
The shamisen is a representative Japanese instrument.
和楽器(わがっき)を習(なら)い始(はじ)めた。
I started learning a traditional Japanese instrument.

A compound of 和(わ) (Japanese) + 楽器(がっき) (musical instrument). Refers to instruments traditionally associated with Japanese music.

MAJOR INSTRUMENTS:

  • 琴(こと): koto (13-string zither)
  • 三味線(しゃみせん): shamisen (3-string plucked instrument)
  • 尺八(しゃくはち): shakuhachi (bamboo flute)
  • 太鼓(たいこ): taiko (drum)
  • 笙(しょう): sho (mouth organ, used in 雅楽(ががく))
  • 篠笛(しのぶえ): shinobue (transverse bamboo flute)

CONTRAST:

  • 洋楽器(ようがっき): Western instruments

USAGE:
Interest in 和楽器(わがっき) has grown in recent years, with fusion bands combining traditional instruments with rock and pop. The 和(わ)〜 prefix pattern is productive: 和食(わしょく) (Japanese food), 和服(わふく) (Japanese clothing), 和室(わしつ) (Japanese-style room).

Related Words

Related: 楽器(がっき) (musical instrument)
Related: 三味線(しゃみせん) (shamisen)
Related: 琴(こと) (koto)
Related: 太鼓(たいこ) (taiko drum)
general
Added 2026.1.16 12:32 · Revised 2026.4.13 18:32
05000/05231_wagakki