歌う

• Reading: うたう
• Romaji: utau
• Kanji breakdown: 歌 (ka/uta) — song, to sing
• Pronunciation: /ɯ.ta.ɯ/

Meaning

To sing. Used for singing songs, hymns, and in karaoke.

A Group 1 (godan) verb conjugated with the う ending (歌って, 歌った, 歌います). Related to the noun 歌 (uta — song). Japan has a rich singing culture from traditional folk songs to modern karaoke. The verb is used broadly for any form of vocal musical performance.

Examples

1. カラオケで好きな歌を歌いました。 I sang my favorite song at karaoke.
2. 子供たちが楽しそうに歌っています。 The children are singing happily.
3. 日本語の歌を歌えますか。 Can you sing a Japanese song?

Usage Guide

Context: entertainment, karaoke, music

Tone: cheerful

Origin & History

The kanji 歌 combines 哥 (a phonetic element meaning 'to sing') with 欠 (yawning/opening the mouth). The character depicts someone opening their mouth to produce song.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal