How to say "band" in Japanese

• 帯たいCommon
  noun (suffix)Covers 'band' in scientific senses, such as conduction and valence bands, and 'belt' senses like the Van-Allen or asteroid belts. This is the word for technical and astronomical contexts, not for music.
• バンドJLPT N2approx.Common
  nounThe usual word for a band of musicians, especially pop, rock, or jazz groups. When you mean a group that plays music together, this is the word you want.
  バンドの演奏えんそうは何時いつに始はじまりますか。↗

  What time will the band start playing?
• ループCommon
  nounPrimarily means 'loop', with 'band' and 'ring' as secondary senses. It is generally not the word you want for 'band'; reach for it only when a loop-like band or ring is meant.
• 楽隊がくたいCommon
  nounMeans a band of musicians, and can also suggest an orchestra. It leans toward a performing ensemble, often a marching or ceremonial one, rather than a small pop group.
  楽隊がくたいが先頭せんとうに立たって市しを行進こうしんした。↗

  A band led the parade through the city.
• 楽団がくだんCommon
  nounCovers 'orchestra' first, with 'band' as a secondary sense. It suits a large, organized musical ensemble such as a symphony orchestra, and is a poor choice for a small rock or pop band.
  楽団がくだんは行進曲こうしんきょくを何なん曲きょくか演奏えんそうした。↗

  The band played several marches.

Use 「バンド」 for a musical group, 帯 for physics belts like the Van-Allen belt, 「ループ」 for a loop-like band or ring, and 楽隊 or 楽団 for larger ensembles closer to orchestras.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 帯たいband (e.g. conduction, valence)
• バンドband (group of musicians)
• ループloop
• 楽隊がくたいband
• 楽団がくだんorchestra
• 囃子はやしaccompaniment for traditional performances (noh, kabuki, etc.)
• 群ぐんgroup
• 帯域たいいきband
• 環かんring
• 音楽隊おんがくたいband
• 私党しとうfaction
• ユニット(small) group (esp. in music or entertainment)
• 帯おびband