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 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).