Meaning and Usage
"歌" (うた) primarily means "a song" in Japanese. It refers to a musical composition with lyrics that can be sung. This word is very common and appears frequently in everyday conversation, music, and media.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "歌" used when talking about favorite songs, singing activities, or music in general. It can refer to any genre or style of song.
Collocations and Patterns
- 歌を歌う (うたをうたう): to sing a song — the most common verb phrase with "歌".
- 好きな歌 (すきなうた): favorite song — used to express preference.
- 歌詞 (かし): lyrics — often paired with "歌" when discussing the words of a song.
Register and Politeness
"歌" is a neutral noun and can be used in both casual and formal contexts without change.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "歌" (song) with "歌手" (かしゅ, singer). Remember "歌" is the song itself, while "歌手" is the person who sings.