1.
humming; singing to oneself
Singing casually with the mouth closed or half-open, typically while doing something else. Implies a relaxed, happy mood.
鼻歌を歌う。
To hum a tune.
彼女は鼻歌まじりに料理をしていた。
She was cooking while humming to herself.
機嫌がいいのか、朝から鼻歌が聞こえてくる。
Maybe they're in a good mood — I can hear humming since this morning.
鼻歌 is humming — singing softly with closed or barely open lips, often unconsciously. It suggests a relaxed, contented mood.
WORD FORMATION:
鼻 (nose) + 歌 (song) — singing "through the nose."
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 鼻歌を歌う: to hum a tune
- 鼻歌まじりに: while humming (carefree manner)
- 鼻歌が出る: humming comes out (naturally, without thinking)
USAGE:
Describes casual, often unconscious singing while doing other activities — cooking, walking, working. It carries a warm, positive nuance suggesting the person is in a good mood.
CONTRAST:
- 鼻歌: humming (casual, quiet, often unconscious)
- 歌: a song / singing (deliberate, full voice)
- 口笛: whistling