1.
solo (singing); vocal solo
A musical performance by a single singer, typically in classical or formal contexts.
オペラの独唱が素晴らしかった。
The opera solo was wonderful.
彼女は独唱で金賞を取った。
She won the gold award for her solo.
独唱会を開く。
To hold a solo recital.
Compound of 独 (alone) + 唱 (sing). Refers specifically to a vocal solo — one singer performing alone, typically in classical music, opera, or formal concert settings.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 独唱会: solo recital
- 独唱する: to sing a solo
- 独唱曲: solo piece
RELATED MUSICAL TERMS:
- 独奏: instrumental solo (same structure with 奏 = play)
- 合唱: chorus, choir singing
- 重唱: vocal ensemble (duet, trio, quartet)
- ソロ: solo (casual loanword, used in all genres)
独唱 sounds formal and classical. In pop or casual contexts, ソロ is preferred.