持(も)ち歌(うた)

もちうた
noun
one's go-to song; signature song
leisure
1. one's go-to song; signature song; favorite song to sing
A song that a person always sings, especially at karaoke. Can also refer to a professional singer's signature number.
カラオケでの持(も)ち歌(うた)は何(なに)ですか。
What's your go-to karaoke song?
彼(かれ)の持(も)ち歌(うた)はいつも盛(も)り上(あ)がる。
His signature song always gets the crowd going.
持(も)ち歌(うた)が一曲(いっきょく)もないと、カラオケに誘(さそ)われたとき困(こま)る。
If you don't have even one go-to song, you'll be at a loss when invited to karaoke.

Usage

Strongly associated with karaoke culture. Also called 十八番(おはこ) or 十八番(じゅうはちばん), which means one's specialty or forte, though 持(も)ち歌(うた) is specifically about songs.

Common collocations

Similar words

Related Words

Synonym: 十八番(おはこ) (one's forte (broader))
general
Added 2026.3.20 15:44 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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