オルゴール
おるごーる
noun
music box
1.
music box
A mechanical device that plays a tune when wound up, using a rotating cylinder with pins that pluck tuned metal teeth.
オルゴールのねじを回す。
To wind up a music box.
おばあちゃんからもらったオルゴールを大切にしている。
I treasure the music box I got from my grandmother.
この店では世界中のオルゴールを集めていて、好きな曲を選んで買うことができる。
This shop collects music boxes from around the world, and you can choose and buy one with your favorite song.
オルゴール refers exclusively to music boxes in Japanese.
ETYMOLOGY:
From Dutch "orgel" (organ). Despite the etymology, it does not mean organ — a pipe organ is パイプオルガン.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- オルゴールのねじを回す: to wind up a music box
- オルゴールの音色: the tone/sound of a music box
- オルゴール付き: with a built-in music box (jewelry boxes, etc.)
- オルゴール曲: music box tune
CULTURAL NOTE:
Music boxes are popular souvenirs and gifts in Japan. Several tourist areas have dedicated オルゴール館 (music box museums/shops), notably in 小樽 (Otaru, Hokkaido) and 河口湖 (Kawaguchiko).