1.
song (especially an art song, classical song, or formally composed vocal piece)
A composed song, often in a classical or formal context. 歌曲 is the standard Japanese term for art songs (e.g., German Lied, French mélodie, English art song) and is also used in formal music criticism for any song that is the work of an identifiable composer. In ordinary conversation about pop or folk music, the everyday word 曲 or 歌 is far more common; 歌曲 carries a literary, classical-music feel.
有名な歌曲を歌う。
To sing a famous art song.
シューベルトの歌曲が好きだ。
I love Schubert's songs.
演奏会では日本の歌曲が多く披露された。
Many Japanese art songs were performed at the recital.
彼女は近代日本歌曲を専門に研究している音楽学者だ。
She is a musicologist specializing in modern Japanese art songs.
歌曲 is the formal/literary word for a song, used most often for classical art songs and the formal study of vocal compositions.
FORMATION:
- 歌 (song) + 曲 (musical piece) → 歌曲
TYPICAL CONTEXTS:
- Classical art-song repertoire (Schubert's Lieder, Fauré's mélodies, Yamada Kōsaku's songs, etc.)
- Formal concert programs and music journalism
- Music textbooks and academic discussion
- Choir and vocal recital programs
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 芸術歌曲: art song
- 日本歌曲: Japanese art song
- 歌曲集: a song collection / song cycle
- 歌曲を作曲する: to compose a song
- 歌曲を歌う: to sing a song (formal register)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 曲: piece, tune, song — the everyday general word; "この{曲が好きだ}" is normal in pop-music conversation
- 歌: song — even more everyday; refers to any sung piece, including children's songs and pop songs
- 楽曲: musical work, composition (with or without vocals); sounds formal/industry-flavored, used in record-company copy and copyright discussions
- ソング: song (loanword) — common in pop-music titles and casual conversation
- 民謡: folk song — a traditional folk song; not normally called a 歌曲
USAGE NOTES:
- Native speakers do not typically call a J-pop hit a 歌曲. For pop, rock, and most contemporary popular music, use 曲, 歌, or ソング.
- In academic Japanese musicology, 歌曲 is the precise term used to translate "art song" or "Lied," and you will see it on concert posters and CD liner notes for classical vocal recordings.