Music in Japanese
"music" in Japanese, with the kanji that carry the meaning.
2 Japanese kanji carry the meaning "music". The most common choice is shown first.
Which one to use
音楽 (ongaku) is music, written 音 sound and 楽 pleasure. 楽 alone means comfort and ease as readily as music, so it does not stand for music on its own. 曲 is a piece of music, a tune.
楽View details →
Top pick
music, comfort, ease
Reading: gaku
13 strokes · beautiful, peaceful
Where it comes from
Shape of musical instrument with bells on wood. Music, enjoyment.
What it carries
Music, enjoyment, comfort. '楽' is happiness opposite to suffering.
Related kanji for "music"
Frequently asked questions
What is the Japanese kanji for music?
The most common kanji for "music" is 楽, read as gaku. It means music, comfort, ease. Related kanji: 曲 (music).
How many strokes does 楽 have?
楽 has 13 strokes.