替(か)え歌(うた)

かえうた
noun
parody song; song with altered lyrics
musicentertainment
1. parody song; song with altered lyrics sung to a familiar melody
A version of an existing song where the original lyrics have been replaced with humorous, satirical, or otherwise different words while keeping the same melody. Popular as entertainment among children and in comedy.
替(か)え歌(うた)を作(つく)った。
I made up a parody song.
子供(こども)たちが替(か)え歌(うた)を歌(うた)って笑(わら)っている。
The children are singing a parody song and laughing.
あの芸人(げいにん)は有名(ゆうめい)な曲(きょく)の替(か)え歌(うた)で人気(にんき)を集(あつ)めた。
That comedian gained popularity with parody versions of famous songs.

Compound of 替(か)え (replacement, from 替(か)える) and 歌(うた) (song). The concept is similar to English parody songs — the melody stays the same but the lyrics are changed, usually for humorous effect.

Common collocations

Cultural note

Parody songs are a staple of Japanese comedy (お笑(わら)い). Comedians like Shimura Ken and Hiro Iki have made 替(か)え歌(うた) a popular entertainment format. Children also commonly create 替(か)え歌(うた) of school songs and popular tunes.

general
Added 2026.4.3 2:21 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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