音頭(おんど)

おんど
noun
leading a group activity; traditional folk song
1. leading a group activity; taking the initiative
The act of leading or taking initiative in a group activity, often used in the expression 音頭を取る (to lead/take the initiative).
音頭(おんど)を取(と)る。
To take the lead; to spearhead.
彼(かれ)が音頭(おんど)を取(と)って始(はじ)めた。
He took the lead and started it.
2. traditional folk song or dance
A type of traditional Japanese folk song with a call-and-response format, often accompanied by dance.
盆踊(ぼんおど)りで音頭(おんど)を歌(うた)う。
To sing a traditional song at the Bon dance festival.

音頭(おんど) has two main meanings: leading a group activity and a traditional folk song.

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • 音頭(おんど)を取(と)る: to take the lead, to spearhead (an initiative)
  • 乾杯(かんぱい)の音頭(おんど)を取(と)る: to lead the toast

TRADITIONAL SONGS:

  • 東京音頭(とうきょうおんど): Tokyo Ondo (famous festival song)
  • 炭坑節(たんこうぶし): Coal Mining Song

NOTE: Do not confuse with 温度(おんど) (temperature), which has the same reading.

general
Added 2026.2.3 20:36
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