60
曲
Curve, Tune
まがる (magaru), まげる (mageru)
JLPT N3
Interesting Fact
The Japanese language gives 曲 two meanings that seem completely unrelated: 曲がる (まがる) means “to bend/turn,” while 曲 (きょく) means “musical composition.” But there is a beautiful conceptual connection. A road changes direction as it bends, while music moves through changing notes, rhythms, and phrases rather than staying on one straight path. So 曲 can describe both something that changes direction physically and something that takes a musical journey.
Memory Trick
“🎤🛣️ A singer's tune takes every turn on the road—that's 曲!”
Readings
Onyomi: キョク (kyoku)
Kunyomi: まがる (magaru), まげる (mageru)
Example Words
曲がる
まがる (magaru)
To turn, bend
曲
きょく (kyoku)
Musical piece
新曲
しんきょく (shinkyoku)
New song
名曲
めいきょく (meikyoku)
Masterpiece (music)
Example Sentence
次の角を右に曲がってください。
つぎ の かど を みぎ に まがって ください。
tsugi no kado o migi ni magatte kudasai
Please turn right at the next corner.