what does karaoke mean

Karaoke is a form of entertainment where people sing along to instrumental versions of popular songs, usually with the lyrics shown on a screen while music plays in the background.

What “karaoke” literally means

The word karaoke comes from Japanese.

• kara (空) means “empty”.

• okesutora (オーケストラ), shortened to oke , means “orchestra”.

So “karaoke” literally means “empty orchestra” – an orchestra (music) with the singer removed so that you can sing instead.

What karaoke is in practice

In everyday use, karaoke means:

• A setup or machine that plays only the music of songs (no lead vocals).
• Lyrics displayed on a screen, often highlighted in time with the music.
• A microphone so you can sing the words yourself.
• A social activity often done in bars, clubs, private rooms, or at parties.

Typical example:

You go to a bar or a private karaoke room, pick a song from a list, the backing track starts, the lyrics appear on a screen, and you sing into a mic like you’re the artist.

Quick extra notes and context

• Origin: Karaoke started in Japan and then spread worldwide as a casual, social way to enjoy music.

• Settings: Common in bars, nightclubs, dedicated karaoke boxes/KTVs, and house parties.

• Modern twist: There are now apps, AI tools, and online services that remove vocals and score your singing, but the core idea is still “empty orchestra” you sing over.

TL;DR: “Karaoke” means “empty orchestra” in Japanese and refers to singing along to instrumental tracks of popular songs while reading the lyrics on a screen.