The word “karaoke” in Japanese is written as カラオケ. It is a combination of two words: “kara” (空), which means “empty,” and “oke,” which is a shortened form of “okesutora” (オーケストラ), meaning “orchestra.” Therefore, karaoke essentially translates to “empty orchestra.”
In the context of karaoke, it refers to a musical entertainment activity where individuals sing along to recorded music using a microphone, typically with lyrics displayed on a screen. The original backing vocals are usually omitted, allowing singers to take the lead. Karaoke is a popular social activity in Japan and around the world, often enjoyed in dedicated venues or at home.