童謡

• Reading: どうよう
• Romaji: douyou
• Kanji breakdown: 童 (dou/warabe) — child; 謡 (you/utai) — song, chant
• Pronunciation: /doː.joː/

Meaning

Children's song; nursery rhyme. Traditional songs sung by and for children.

A noun referring to songs specifically composed for children, including both traditional folk songs and modern children's music. Common in education and early childhood. Related words: 民謡 (min'you, folk song), 歌謡 (kayou, popular song). Many Japanese 童謡 are beloved across generations, such as 赤とんぼ and さくらさくら.

Examples

1. 幼稚園で子供たちが童謡を歌っていた。 I couldn't hide my shock at the sudden news.
2. 祖母がよく童謡を歌ってくれたのを覚えている。 I was shaken when I heard the exam results.
3. 日本の童謡には季節を感じる歌が多い。 Please stay calm and respond without getting flustered.

Usage Guide

Context: childhood, music, education

Tone: warm

Origin & History

Compound of 童 (dou, child) and 謡 (you, song/chant). Literally 'children's song.' The term became widely used in the Taisho era when a literary movement promoted quality children's songs.

Cultural Context

Era: Taisho

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal