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A2 noun #7,000 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

作詞

Top 7,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 作詞 en 30 secondes

Explication 作詞 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you just need to know that 作詞 (sakushi) is related to music and writing. You might see it in karaoke or on a music video. Think of it as 'writing words for a song.' You can use it simply as sakushi o shimasu (I write lyrics). It is a good word to learn if you like J-pop. At this stage, don't worry about the complex kanji; just recognize the first character 'saku' which you also see in 'sakubun' (essay). Focus on the idea that songs have two parts: the music and the words. Sakushi is for the words. You can use it to talk about your hobbies if you like music. For example, 'Watashi no shumi wa sakushi desu' (My hobby is writing lyrics). This is a simple and clear way to use the word at the beginner level. You will often see this word paired with names of famous people on TV.

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At the A2 level, you should be able to use 作詞 (sakushi) as a 'suru-verb' to describe what people do. You can say 'Kare wa sakushi o shite imasu' (He is writing lyrics). You should also understand the difference between sakushi and kashi (lyrics as a noun). For instance, you might say 'Kono uta no sakushi wa dare desu ka?' (Who wrote the lyrics for this song?). You are beginning to see how Japanese uses compound nouns to create specific meanings. You can also start using it with simple modifiers, like 'jibun de sakushi suru' (to write lyrics by oneself). This level is about connecting the word to the people who create music. If you are talking about a band you like, you can mention who does the sakushi. It's a useful word for basic conversations about interests and media.

At the B1 level, you can use 作詞 (sakushi) in more complex sentence structures. You might use the potential form sakushi dekiru (can write lyrics) or the conditional form sakushi shitara (if I write lyrics). You should also be familiar with the term 作詞家 (sakushika), meaning a professional lyricist. You can discuss the process of songwriting in more detail, such as 'sakushi no aidea ga ukabanai' (I can't think of ideas for lyrics). You are also expected to recognize the word in professional contexts, like news reports about a new album. At this stage, you should distinguish between formal settings where sakushi is preferred and casual settings where kashi o kaku is more common. You might also start seeing compound words like sakushi-shou (lyricist award).

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At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 作詞 (sakushi) within the broader context of the Japanese creative industry. You can use it with advanced verbs like 手がける (tegakeru) to mean 'to work on' or 'to handle' the lyrics. You can also discuss the stylistic elements of sakushi, such as how a lyricist uses metaphors or specific Japanese vocabulary to evoke emotion. You should be able to understand more complex passive and causative sentences, such as 'Kono kyoku wa yumei na sakushika ni yotte sakushi sareta' (The lyrics for this song were written by a famous lyricist). You can also compare sakushi with its loanword counterpart ririkku and understand the stylistic choice an artist makes by using one over the other. Your vocabulary should include related terms like kyousaku (co-writing).

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At the C1 level, your understanding of 作詞 (sakushi) should extend to technical and literary analysis. You can talk about the history of sakushi in Japan, from the transition of traditional poetry into modern song lyrics. You should be able to critique the 'sakushi' of a particular artist, discussing their use of kanji, wordplay, and rhythmic structure. You can use the word in academic or professional discussions about copyright (chosakuken) and the legal aspects of songwriting. You should also be aware of the subtle differences in tone between sakushi and shisaku (poetry composition) in high-level literary discourse. You can read and understand deep-dive interviews with sakushika who discuss the philosophy behind their word choices and how they adapt their writing to different musical genres.

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At the C2 level, you possess a native-like command of 作詞 (sakushi) and its implications. You can engage in complex debates about the evolution of sakushi in the age of AI and how digital tools are changing the craft. You understand the deep cultural references often embedded in the sakushi of legendary Japanese artists. You can handle highly technical discussions involving the synchronization of lyrics with complex musical arrangements. You are comfortable with the most formal registers of the word, such as those found in legal contracts, high-level industry awards, or academic theses on Japanese linguistics and musicology. You can also appreciate and explain the 'untranslatable' elements of Japanese sakushi, such as the use of specific seasonal words (kigo) or the play between different writing systems (hiragana, katakana, and kanji) within a single lyric.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

作詞 en 30 secondes

作詞 (Sakushi) means writing lyrics for music.
It is a 'suru-verb' and a noun used in music credits.
It is different from 作曲 (Sakkyoku), which is composing music.
A person who does this professionally is called a 作詞家 (Sakushika).

The Japanese word 作詞 (さくし - sakushi) is a compound noun that translates directly to 'lyric writing' or 'songwriting' specifically in the context of the words. It is composed of two kanji: 作 (saku), meaning 'to make' or 'create,' and 詞 (shi), which refers to 'words' or 'lyrics.' While 'shi' can also be written as 詩 (poem), in the context of music, 詞 is the standard character used to denote the text set to a melody. This word is fundamental in the Japanese music industry, from the credits of a J-pop idol track to the traditional compositions of Enka. Understanding sakushi involves recognizing it not just as a hobby, but as a professional craft that bridges literature and music.

Professional Context: In the Japanese music industry, the role of a lyricist is highly specialized. A person who performs sakushi is called a 作詞家 (sakushika). Often, the lyricist and the composer (作曲家 - sakkyokuka) are different individuals, working in a collaborative process to marry words with melody.

彼女は有名なアイドルの曲を作詞しています。
(She writes lyrics for famous idol songs.)

When using this word, it is most commonly paired with the verb する (suru) to form the verb 'to write lyrics.' For example, sakushi suru means 'to write lyrics.' It can also stand alone as a noun on album covers or credit scrolls, usually followed by the name of the artist. The nuance of sakushi is somewhat formal; in casual conversation, one might say kashi o kaku (歌詞を書く - to write lyrics), but sakushi is the precise, technical term used in media and professional settings.

Artistic Nuance: The act of sakushi is seen as an emotional expression. In Japanese culture, lyrics often focus on seasonal changes, fleeting moments (mono no aware), and unspoken feelings, making the 'sakushi' process deeply introspective and culturally significant.

この曲の作詞は、彼の切ない経験に基づいています。
(The lyric writing for this song is based on his painful experiences.)

Historically, the distinction between poetry and lyrics was more blurred, but in modern Japanese, sakushi is strictly reserved for music. Whether it's for a rock band, a Vocaloid track, or a school anthem, the term remains the standard way to describe the literary side of musical creation. It implies a sense of structure—matching the syllables of the Japanese language to the rhythm of the notes.

Usage in Media: In karaoke displays, the credits for sakushi and sakkyoku are almost always shown before the song starts. This reinforces the public's awareness of the individuals behind the words.

Using 作詞 (sakushi) correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical flexibility as a 'suru-verb' and its role as a noun. In its simplest form, you can treat it as a subject or an object. To say 'to write lyrics,' you add 'suru.' To describe a person's role, you use it as a noun. Let's explore the various grammatical structures that accommodate this word in everyday and professional Japanese.

The 'Suru' Verb Construction: When sakushi is followed by suru, it functions as a transitive verb. You can specify the song or the artist using the particle の (no) or を (o).

彼は自分で作詞した曲を歌った。
(He sang a song for which he wrote the lyrics himself.)

In more formal or literary contexts, you might see sakushi paired with verbs like 手がける (tegakeru - to handle/be involved in) or 担当する (tantou suru - to be in charge of). This is common in news articles or professional biographies. For example, 'He handled the lyric writing for the movie's theme song' would be kare wa eiga no shudaika no sakushi o tegaketa.

Passive and Causative Forms: If a song's lyrics were written by someone else, we use the passive form 作詞された (sakushi sareta). If you commission someone to write lyrics, you might use the causative form 作詞させる (sakushi saseru).

この名曲は、詩人によって作詞されました。
(This masterpiece's lyrics were written by a poet.)

Furthermore, sakushi can be used in compound words. 作詞活動 (sakushi katsudou) means 'lyric-writing activities,' and 作詞賞 (sakushi shou) means a 'best lyricist award.' When you want to talk about the process of writing, you can use sakushi no saichuu (in the middle of writing lyrics).

The Role of Particles: Use に (ni) to indicate the person who did the writing in a passive sentence, and を (o) when sakushi is the direct object of a verb like 'to start' or 'to finish.'

彼は新しいアルバムの作詞に取り掛かった。
(He set about writing the lyrics for the new album.)

In summary, sakushi is a versatile word that fits into both simple sentences about hobbies and complex sentences about the music industry. Its placement in a sentence usually follows the standard SOV (Subject-Object-Verb) pattern of Japanese, with the specificity provided by the kanji making it clear that you are talking about songs, not just any writing.

In Japan, you will encounter the word 作詞 (sakushi) in a variety of cultural and professional settings. It is not a word confined to textbooks; it is part of the daily soundscape for music lovers and television viewers. From the back of CD cases to the intros of variety shows, sakushi is everywhere music is discussed.

Music Programs and TV: When a singer appears on a show like 'Music Station' or 'NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen,' a small graphic appears on the screen listing the song title, the sakushi (lyricist), and the sakkyoku (composer). This is the most common place for Japanese people to see the word.

テレビの画面に「作詞：秋元康」と表示された。
(On the TV screen, it displayed 'Lyrics: Yasushi Akimoto'.)

Another frequent location is the Karaoke box. Before the music starts and the lyrics appear for you to sing, the credits for the song are displayed. Seeing sakushi followed by a name is a standard part of the karaoke experience in Japan. It highlights the importance of the creator of the words.

Interviews and Documentaries: Artists are often asked about their sakushi process in interviews. They might talk about the inspiration behind a specific line or the difficulty of fitting certain Japanese words into a melody. You'll hear phrases like 'sakushi no kotsu' (the secret to writing lyrics).

インタビューで、彼女は自分の作詞のスタイルについて語った。
(In the interview, she talked about her style of lyric writing.)

In the digital age, you'll see this word on streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube. In the 'credits' or 'description' section of a music video, sakushi is the standard label. For fans of anime, the opening and ending credits always list the sakushi, as theme songs are a major part of the Japanese music market.

Educational and Literary Circles: In schools, students might participate in sakushi contests for school songs or local festivals. It is treated as a form of creative writing that encourages students to think about rhythm and rhyme (though rhyme is less central in Japanese poetry than in English).

この本は、初心者のための作詞入門書です。
(This book is an introductory guide to lyric writing for beginners.)

Essentially, sakushi is the word that bridges the gap between the written word and the performed note. Whether you are reading a liner note or listening to a songwriter's podcast, this term is the key to identifying who gave the song its voice.

Learning to use 作詞 (sakushi) correctly involves navigating a few linguistic pitfalls. Because Japanese has many words for 'writing' and 'words,' learners often mix up technical terms with general ones. Here are the most common errors and how to avoid them.

Confusion with 'Sakubun' (Composition/Essay): Many beginners confuse sakushi with 作文 (sakubun). While both involve 'making' (作), sakubun is a school essay or a general prose composition. You cannot use sakubun to talk about songs.

❌ 音楽の作文をしました。
✅ 音楽の作詞をしました。
(I wrote lyrics for the music.)

Another frequent mistake is the confusion between sakushi and 作曲 (sakkyoku). As mentioned before, sakkyoku is the music/melody. If you say you did sakkyoku when you actually wrote the words, a Japanese person will assume you are a composer, not a lyricist. If you did both, you must use both terms or the combined sakushi-sakkyoku.

Misusing 'Shi' (Poetry): Learners sometimes use 詩 (shi - poem) when they mean kashi (lyrics). While they are related, sakushi specifically uses the character 詞. Using shisaku (詩作) suggests you are writing formal poetry for a book, which might sound overly pretentious or incorrect if you're talking about a pop song.

❌ 彼は詩作のプロです。(He is a pro at writing poems - when meaning songs)
✅ 彼は作詞のプロです。(He is a professional lyricist.)

Another nuance to watch for is the use of particles. Because sakushi is a noun, you need the particle o when using it with verbs like hajimeru (to start). Saying 'sakushi hajimeru' without the o is possible in very casual speech, but 'sakushi o hajimeru' is the correct standard form.

Overusing the Word: While sakushi is correct, using it in a very casual setting (like telling a friend you wrote a silly song) can sound a bit stiff. In those cases, kashi o kaita is more natural.

❌ 昨夜、短い歌を作詞しました。(Sounds like a formal report)
✅ 昨夜、短い歌の歌詞を書きました。(Sounds natural for a hobby)

Lastly, remember that sakushi refers to the *act* of writing or the *credit* of the writer. It does not refer to the lyrics themselves as a physical object. If you want to say 'The lyrics are beautiful,' use kashi (歌詞), not sakushi.

To truly master 作詞 (sakushi), it's helpful to compare it with related terms. Japanese has a rich vocabulary for creative acts, and choosing the right word depends on the medium and the level of formality.

作詞 vs. 歌詞を書く (Kashi o kaku): 作詞 is a formal, Sino-Japanese (kango) compound. 歌詞を書く is a native Japanese (wago) phrase. Use the former for credits and professional talk; use the latter for everyday activities.

作詞 vs. 詩作 (Shisaku): 作詞 is specifically for music. 詩作 is for writing poetry (shi) as literature. While a poem can be turned into a song, the act of writing it specifically for music is always sakushi.

彼は作詞も詩作も得意だ。
(He is good at both lyric writing and poetry composition.)

Then there is リリック (Ririkku). This is a loanword from the English 'lyric.' It is used almost exclusively in the context of hip-hop, rap, and sometimes modern R&B. Using ririkku gives a cool, contemporary vibe, whereas sakushi feels more traditional or 'industry standard.'

Related Terms in Songwriting

作曲 (Sakkyoku): Composing the melody.
編曲 (Henkyoku): Arranging the song.
創作 (Sousaku): General creation/creative work.

この歌の歌詞（作詞ではない）を教えてください。
(Please tell me the lyrics (not the act of writing) of this song.)

In professional credits, you might also see 詞 (shi) used as a shorthand for sakushi. For example: 詞：田中太郎. This is very common on CD jackets where space is limited. Similarly, you'll see 曲 (kyoku) for sakkyoku. Understanding these abbreviations is key to navigating the Japanese music scene.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The character 詞 was originally used to describe a specific genre of Chinese poetry called 'Ci' which was written to be sung to existing melodies. This makes its modern use for song lyrics historically perfect!

Guide de prononciation

UK /saku.ɕi/

US /sɑːkuːʃiː/

The pitch accent is usually 'Heiban' (flat), meaning the pitch starts low and stays high, or 'Atamadaka' (head-high) depending on regional dialects, but flat is standard.

Rime avec

Hakushi (Blank paper) Rakushi (Enjoyment) Takushi (Taxi - phonetically) Kakushi (Hiding) Akushi (Handshake) Tokushi (Special envoy) Fukushi (Welfare) Gakushi (Scholar)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'shi' as 'see'.
Over-emphasizing the 'u' in 'saku'.
Confusing it with the pronunciation of 'sakushi' (strategist).
Mixing up the 's' and 'sh' sounds.
Failing to keep the 'ku' short and crisp.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Kanji are common but require knowing the specific 'shi' for lyrics.

Écriture 4/5

The character 'shi' (詞) has many strokes and is easy to confuse with 'shi' (詩).

Expression orale 2/5

Easy to pronounce once the pitch accent is understood.

Écoute 2/5

Distinctive sound, often heard in music contexts.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

作る (To make) 歌 (Song) 言葉 (Words) 音楽 (Music) 書く (To write)

Apprends ensuite

作曲 (Composition) 編曲 (Arrangement) 演奏 (Performance) 録音 (Recording) 配信 (Distribution)

Avancé

韻律 (Rhythm/Meter) 修辞法 (Rhetoric) 著作権 (Copyright) 印税 (Royalties) 語彙 (Vocabulary)

Grammaire à connaître

Suru-verbs

作詞する (To write lyrics)

Noun + ni yoru (By means of/By)

彼による作詞 (Lyrics by him)

Relative Clauses

私が作詞した曲 (The song I wrote lyrics for)

Compound Nouns with 'Ka'

作詞家 (Lyricist)

Potential Form of Suru-verbs

作詞できる (Can write lyrics)

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Exemples par niveau

私は作詞が好きです。

I like writing lyrics.

Uses the basic 'noun + ga suki' pattern.

彼は作詞をします。

He writes lyrics.

Simple 'noun + o shimasu' verb construction.

作詞はだれですか？

Who wrote the lyrics?

Using 'sakushi' as a noun to refer to the person credited.

この歌の作詞はいいです。

The lyric writing of this song is good.

Basic 'A no B wa C desu' structure.

作詞を練習します。

I practice writing lyrics.

Direct object with 'o renshuu shimasu'.

作詞はむずかしいですか？

Is lyric writing difficult?

Simple question form with 'desu ka'.

田中さんが作詞しました。

Mr. Tanaka wrote the lyrics.

Past tense of the suru-verb.

ノートに作詞をします。

I write lyrics in a notebook.

Location particle 'ni' with the action.

友達と一緒に作詞をしています。

I am writing lyrics together with a friend.

Continuous form 'shite imasu'.

彼は自分で作詞した歌を歌います。

He sings songs for which he wrote the lyrics himself.

Relative clause modifying 'uta'.

有名な歌手のために作詞をしたいです。

I want to write lyrics for a famous singer.

Desire form 'tai desu' with the purpose 'tame ni'.

作詞のやり方を教えてください。

Please teach me how to write lyrics.

Compound noun 'yarikata' (way of doing).

この曲の作詞はとても感動的です。

The lyric writing of this song is very moving.

Adjective 'kandouteki' (moving/emotional).

彼女は作詞家になりたいと思っています。

She thinks she wants to become a lyricist.

Using 'sakushika' (lyricist) with 'naritai to omotte imasu'.

毎日少しずつ作詞をしています。

I write lyrics a little bit every day.

Adverbial phrase 'sukoshi zutsu'.

作詞のコンクールに応募しました。

I entered a lyric-writing contest.

Verb 'oubo suru' (to apply/enter).

作詞のアイデアがなかなか浮かびません。

I can't seem to come up with ideas for lyrics.

The idiom 'idea ga ukabu' in negative form.

彼は多くのヒット曲を作詞してきました。

He has written the lyrics for many hit songs over time.

Aspect marker 'te kuru' indicating an ongoing action until now.

作詞をするときは、いつも静かな場所に行きます。

When I write lyrics, I always go to a quiet place.

Temporal clause 'toki wa'.

このアニメのオープニング曲は、監督が作詞しました。

The director wrote the lyrics for this anime's opening song.

Topic marker 'wa' and subject marker 'ga'.

作詞家としての才能を認められました。

His talent as a lyricist was recognized.

Passive voice 'mitomerareta' with 'toshite' (as a).

言葉の響きを大切にしながら作詞しています。

I am writing lyrics while placing importance on the sound of the words.

Simultaneous action 'nagara'.

プロの作詞家に依頼することにしました。

We decided to commission a professional lyricist.

Decision expression 'koto ni shimashita'.

作詞のセンスを磨くために、本をたくさん読みます。

In order to polish my sense for lyric writing, I read many books.

Purpose marker 'tame ni' with 'migaku' (to polish/improve).

彼女の作詞スタイルは、独特の世界観を持っています。

Her lyric-writing style has a unique worldview.

Advanced noun 'sekai-kan' (worldview).

メロディーに合わせた作詞は、非常に難易度が高い。

Writing lyrics to match a melody is extremely difficult.

Compound noun 'nan-ido' (degree of difficulty).

彼は作詞だけでなく、作曲も手がけているマルチな才能の持ち主だ。

He is a multi-talented person who handles not only lyric writing but also composition.

Structure 'A dake de naku B mo'.

作詞の際、韻を踏むことよりも意味を重視しています。

When writing lyrics, I prioritize meaning over rhyming.

Formal temporal marker 'no sai' (at the time of).

その曲の作詞は、当時の社会情勢を反映している。

The lyric writing of that song reflects the social conditions of the time.

Verb 'han-ei suru' (to reflect).

新曲の作詞を担当することになり、身が引き締まる思いだ。

Having been put in charge of the new song's lyrics, I feel a sense of renewed resolve.

Idiom 'mi ga hikishimaru' (to brace oneself/feel tense).

作詞における言葉選びは、曲の印象を大きく左右する。

The choice of words in lyric writing greatly influences the impression of the song.

Particle 'ni okeru' (in/regarding) and verb 'sayuu suru' (to influence).

彼は作詞の過程で、何度も推敲を重ねた。

In the process of writing the lyrics, he polished them many times.

Noun 'suikou' (polishing/revision) and 'kasane-ta' (repeated).

彼の作詞には、古典文学への深い造詣が感じられる。

In his lyric writing, one can feel a deep knowledge of classical literature.

Advanced noun 'zoukei' (deep knowledge/attainment).

作詞における比喩表現の巧みさが、聴衆の心を掴んでいる。

The skillfulness of metaphorical expressions in the lyric writing captures the audience's hearts.

Noun 'hiyu hyougen' (metaphorical expression).

今回のプロジェクトでは、共同で作詞を行うことになった。

In this project, it was decided that we would conduct the lyric writing collaboratively.

Adverb 'kyoudou de' (collaboratively).

作詞家としての彼の地位は、この一曲で不動のものとなった。

His status as a lyricist became unshakable with this one song.

Adjective 'fudou' (unshakable/immovable).

作詞の裏側に隠されたメッセージを読み解くのがファンの楽しみだ。

Deciphering the messages hidden behind the lyric writing is a joy for the fans.

Verb 'yomitoku' (to decipher/read into).

万葉集の歌を現代風にアレンジして作詞した。

I wrote the lyrics by arranging poems from the Man'yoshu in a modern style.

Verb 'arenji shite' (arranging).

作詞の権利関係を明確にするために契約書を交わした。

We exchanged a contract to clarify the rights relationship regarding the lyric writing.

Noun 'kenri kankei' (rights relationship).

その詩人は、晩年になって初めて作詞を手がけた。

That poet only handled lyric writing for the first time in his later years.

Noun 'bannen' (later years).

作詞における語彙の取捨選択は、作家の美学そのものである。

The selection and rejection of vocabulary in lyric writing is the very essence of the creator's aesthetics.

Four-character compound 'shusha sentaku' (selection/choice).

AIによる作詞が、人間の創造性にどのような変革をもたらすかが議論されている。

It is being debated what kind of transformation AI-driven lyric writing will bring to human creativity.

Noun 'henkaku' (transformation/reform).

彼の作詞は、日本語の音韻構造を極限まで活用している。

His lyric writing utilizes the phonological structure of the Japanese language to the limit.

Noun 'onn-in kouzou' (phonological structure).

作詞と作曲の不可分な関係性が、その楽曲の芸術性を高めている。

The inseparable relationship between lyric writing and composition enhances the artistry of the musical piece.

Adjective 'fukabun' (inseparable).

翻訳不可能なニュアンスを含んだ作詞は、異文化理解の壁となることもある。

Lyric writing that contains untranslatable nuances can sometimes become a barrier to cross-cultural understanding.

Adjective 'hon-yaku fukanou' (untranslatable).

時代の趨勢を敏感に察知し、それを巧みに作詞に落とし込む。

He sensitively perceives the trends of the times and skillfully incorporates them into his lyric writing.

Idiom 'otoshikomu' (to incorporate/drop into).

作詞という行為を通じて、彼は自己のアイデンティティを再構築した。

Through the act of lyric writing, he reconstructed his own identity.

Compound verb 'sai-kouchiku' (reconstruction).

その楽曲の作詞は、多層的なメタファーによって構成されており、解釈は多岐にわたる。

The lyric writing of that musical piece is composed of multilayered metaphors, and its interpretations are diverse.

Adjective 'takiteki' (diverse/wide-ranging).

Collocations courantes

作詞をする

作詞を手がける

作詞を担当する

作詞家として活動する

作詞の才能

作詞の依頼

作詞・作曲

作詞のセンス

作詞に行き詰まる

作詞のコツ

Phrases Courantes

作詞：～

— Lyrics by [Name]. Standard format for music credits.

作詞：秋元康

作詞作曲：～

— Lyrics and music by [Name]. Used for singer-songwriters.

作詞作曲：宇多田ヒカル

作詞活動

— The activities involved in professional lyric writing.

彼は作詞活動に専念している。

作詞ノート

— A notebook specifically used for writing song lyrics.

作詞ノートを肌身離さず持っている。

作詞コンクール

— A lyric-writing competition.

作詞コンクールで優勝した。

作詞賞

— An award given to a lyricist for their work.

今年の日本レコード大賞の作詞賞。

作詞家志望

— An aspiring lyricist.

彼は作詞家志望の学生だ。

作詞の極意

— The secret or ultimate technique of lyric writing.

作詞の極意を学ぶ。

作詞の依頼

— A formal request to write lyrics for a project.

事務所から作詞の依頼が来た。

作詞のインスピレーション

— The inspiration used to write lyrics.

旅先で作詞のインスピレーションを得た。

Souvent confondu avec

作詞 vs 作文 (Sakubun)

Sakubun is for essays; Sakushi is for songs.

作詞 vs 作曲 (Sakkyoku)

Sakkyoku is for music; Sakushi is for words.

作詞 vs 詩作 (Shisaku)

Shisaku is for poetry; Sakushi is for song lyrics.

Expressions idiomatiques

"言葉を紡ぐ"

— To spin words (like thread), often used to describe the beautiful process of writing lyrics.

彼は一言一言、大切に言葉を紡いで作詞する。

Poetic

"魂を込める"

— To put one's soul into something. Common in describing the intensity of songwriting.

魂を込めて作詞した曲だ。

Emotive

"筆が進む"

— The pen moves easily; to be in a flow state while writing.

今日は調子が良くて、作詞の筆が進む。

Common

"胸を打つ"

— To strike the heart; used to describe moving lyrics.

彼の作詞は、聴く人の胸を打つ。

Common

"琴線に触れる"

— To touch the heartstrings; used for deeply resonant lyrics.

その作詞は私の琴線に触れた。

Formal/Literary

"ペンが止まる"

— The pen stops; to have writer's block.

サビの作詞でペンが止まってしまった。

Common

"言葉を削る"

— To shave down words; to edit lyrics meticulously.

余計な言葉を削って、作詞を完成させる。

Professional

"メロディーが降りてくる"

— The melody descends (from heaven); though about music, often used in the context of the whole songwriting process.

作詞をしていると、メロディーも一緒に降りてきた。

Creative

"命を吹き込む"

— To breathe life into; to make a song come alive through lyrics.

作詞によって、曲に新しい命を吹き込む。

Artistic

"言葉の魔術師"

— A magician of words; a common praise for a great lyricist.

彼はまさに、作詞における言葉の魔術師だ。

Praising

Facile à confondre

作詞 vs 歌詞 (Kashi)

Both refer to lyrics.

Kashi is the noun for the lyrics themselves; Sakushi is the act of writing them.

歌詞を読む (read lyrics) vs 作詞をする (write lyrics).

作詞 vs 詩 (Shi)

Both involve poetic writing.

Shi is a poem; Sakushi is lyrics for music.

詩を書く (write a poem) vs 作詞をする (write lyrics).

作詞 vs 制作 (Seisaku)

Both mean creating.

Seisaku is general production; Sakushi is specifically for lyrics.

番組を制作する (produce a show) vs 曲を作詞する (write lyrics for a song).

Structures de phrases

[Person] wa sakushi o shimasu.

田中さんは作詞をします。

[Person] wa [Song] no sakushi o shimashita.

彼女はこの歌の作詞をしました。

[Song] wa [Person] ni yotte sakushi sareta.

この曲はプロによって作詞された。

[Person] wa sakushi to sakkyoku no ryouhou o tegakeru.

彼は作詞と作曲の両方を手がける。

Sakushi ni okeru [Element] wa juuyou da.

作詞における韻律は重要だ。

Sakushi wa [Concept] no sai-kouchiku de aru.

作詞は感情の再構築である。

Famille de mots

Noms

作詞家 (Lyricist)

作詞活動 (Lyric-writing activity)

作詞法 (Method of lyric writing)

作詞賞 (Lyricist award)

Verbes

作詞する (To write lyrics)

Apparenté

作曲 (Composition)

編曲 (Arrangement)

歌詞 (Lyrics)

詩 (Poem)

楽曲 (Musical piece)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very common in music media, karaoke, and creative circles.

Erreurs courantes

Using 作詞 when reading lyrics. → 歌詞を読みます。
Sakushi is the *act* of writing, not the text itself.
Confusing 作詞 with 作曲. → 作詞 (Lyrics), 作曲 (Music).
They are distinct roles in the music industry.

Astuces

Use with 'no'

When connecting 'sakushi' to a song, use 'no': 'Kono uta no sakushi' (The lyric writing of this song).

Pair with Sakkyoku

Learn 'sakkyoku' (composing) at the same time, as they are almost always used together in music credits.

Check Karaoke Credits

Next time you go to karaoke, look for the '作詞' label on the screen to see who wrote your favorite song.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine a **SA**mu-rai **KU**tting (Saku) **SHI**ny (Shi) words for a song.

Association visuelle

Picture a person with a giant brush writing lyrics on a musical stave.

Word Web

Music Song Writer Pen Melody Artist Idol Karaoke

Défi

Try to write one sentence in Japanese about your favorite lyricist using 'sakushi' today.

Origine du mot

Derived from Middle Chinese roots. 'Saku' (作) originates from the idea of a person standing next to a tool, signifying creation. 'Shi' (詞) combines the radical for 'speech' (言) with '司' (to manage), meaning words that are managed or structured.

Sens originel : To create structured words or poetry.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Contexte culturel

No specific sensitivities, but when discussing 'sakushi' in a religious or traditional context (like hymns or folk songs), use a more formal tone.

In English, we usually say 'songwriting,' which covers both words and music. Japanese is more precise, separating 'sakushi' (words) and 'sakkyoku' (music).

Yasushi Akimoto (Famous lyricist for idol groups) Takashi Matsumoto (Legendary lyricist of the 70s/80s) The 'Best Lyricist' award at the Japan Record Awards

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Karaoke

作詞は誰？
歌詞が出てこない
この作詞、深いね
作詞家をチェックする

Music Industry

作詞のコンペ
作詞の締め切り
作詞の印税
作詞の打ち合わせ

Anime Credits

主題歌の作詞
作詞：[Artist Name]
エンディングの作詞
作詞協力

Education

校歌の作詞
作詞の授業
作詞コンクール
作詞の宿題

Interviews

作詞のきっかけ
作詞の苦労
作詞に込めた思い
作詞の場所

Amorces de conversation

"好きな作詞家はいますか？ (Do you have a favorite lyricist?)"

"自分で作詞をしたことがありますか？ (Have you ever written lyrics yourself?)"

"この曲の作詞、誰がしたか知ってる？ (Do you know who wrote the lyrics for this song?)"

"作詞と作曲、どっちが難しいと思う？ (Which do you think is harder, lyric writing or composing?)"

"いい作詞の条件って何だと思う？ (What do you think are the conditions for good lyric writing?)"

Sujets d'écriture

今日聴いた曲の作詞について感想を書いてください。 (Write your thoughts on the lyrics of a song you heard today.)

もし自分が作詞家だったら、どんなテーマで書きたいですか？ (If you were a lyricist, what theme would you want to write about?)

作詞が人々に与える影響について考えてみましょう。 (Think about the influence that lyric writing has on people.)

自分の人生を歌にするなら、どんな作詞をしますか？ (If you were to make your life into a song, what lyrics would you write?)

AIが作詞をすることについて、どう思いますか？ (What do you think about AI writing lyrics?)

Questions fréquentes

5 questions

Yes, you can, but in the hip-hop community, 'ririkku' (lyrics) is more common. 作詞 remains the formal and technically correct term.

Yes, especially with the rise of Vocaloid and social media. Many people enjoy 'sakushi' as a creative outlet.

作詞 is for songs. 詩作 is for poetry. While they are similar, the intent of the writing defines which word you use.

You say 'Watashi wa sakushika desu' (私は作詞家です).

In formal writing, yes: '作詞をする'. In casual speech, it is often dropped: '作詞する'.

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