BGM

びーじーえむ
noun
background music
1. background music
Music played in the background of a film, TV program, video game, or public space to set the mood without being the main focus.
BGMを(なが)す。
To play background music.
この映画(えいが)のBGMが()きだ。
I like the background music of this movie.
店内(てんない)(しず)かなBGMが(なが)れていた。
Quiet background music was playing in the store.

Abbreviation of English "background music." Widely used in Japan — more common than the full English phrase.

USAGE:

Used across many contexts:

  • Film, TV, and anime production
  • Video games (game BGM is a major genre)
  • Retail stores and restaurants
  • Websites and apps
  • Personal playlists for studying, working, etc.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • BGMを(なが)す: to play background music
  • BGMを()える: to change the background music
  • BGMが(なが)れる: background music plays
  • BGMなしで: without background music

RELATED:

  • 効果音(こうかおん): sound effects (SE)
  • サウンドトラック: soundtrack
  • 劇伴(げきばん): incidental music (for dramas/films)