交響曲(こうきょうきょく)

The formal Japanese term for a symphony — a large-scale orchestral composition typically in multiple movements.

Forms

交響(こうきょう) (resonating together) + 曲(きょく) (piece/composition). Literally "a piece where sounds resonate together."

Common patterns

• 交響曲(こうきょうきょく)第(だい)〜番(ばん): Symphony No. ~
• 〜の交響曲(こうきょうきょく): ~'s symphony
• 交響曲(こうきょうきょく)を演奏(えんそう)する: to perform a symphony

Related words

• 交響楽団(こうきょうがくだん): symphony orchestra
• 管弦楽(かんげんがく): orchestral music
• シンフォニー: symphony (loanword, used in casual speech)

交響曲(こうきょうきょく) is the standard term in program notes, music criticism, and formal contexts. シンフォニー is used in casual conversation.