Translation and Meaning of: 劇 - geki

The Japanese word 劇[げき] (geki) is a fascinating term that appears in various contexts, from traditional theater to everyday expressions. If you are studying Japanese or simply curious about the language, understanding the meaning, origin, and uses of this word can enrich your knowledge. In this article, we will explore what makes 劇 so special, how it is used in the Japanese language, and some interesting facts that may help with memorization.

In addition to being a common kanji in compound words, 劇 carries important cultural nuances, especially in the world of arts and entertainment. If you have ever watched a Japanese drama or read about kabuki, you have probably encountered this word. Let's uncover its meanings and applications so that you can use it confidently in your studies or conversations.

Meaning and usage of 劇[げき]

The term 劇[げき] means "drama," "theatrical play," or "dramatic performance." It is often used in compound words related to theater, such as 演劇[えんげき] (engeki – performing theater) or 劇場[げきじょう] (gekijou – theater as a venue). However, its use is not limited to the performing arts. In broader contexts, 劇 can indicate something intense or dramatic, as in 劇的[げきてき] (gekiteki – dramatic, impactful).

An interesting characteristic of 劇 is its versatility. While in Portuguese "drama" can have a negative connotation, in Japanese it can be neutral or even positive, depending on the context. For example, 音楽劇[おんがくげき] (ongaku-geki) refers to a musical, a form of joyful and vibrant entertainment. This flexibility allows the word to be widely used in various situations.

Origin and writing of the kanji 劇

The kanji 劇 is composed of two main radicals: 豕 (pig) and 刀 (knife). Despite this curious combination, its origin is not directly linked to these meanings. The character originated in ancient China and was incorporated into Japanese with the sense of "intense action" or "performance." Over time, it became primarily associated with theatrical representations and significant events.

It is worth noting that 劇 is not one of the simpler kanji, but its frequency in everyday words makes it easier to learn. A useful tip for memorizing it is to associate it with words like 劇団[げきだん] (gekidan – theater company) or 悲劇[ひげき] (higeki – tragedy), which help reinforce its meaning and writing. Observing the radical 刀 (knife) can also serve as a visual reminder.

Cultural usage and common expressions

In Japan, 劇 is deeply connected to theatrical culture, especially in traditional forms like kabuki and noh. These performance styles have centuries of history and continue to be celebrated today. Furthermore, the word appears in titles of movies, series, and even mangas, reinforcing its relevance in contemporary Japanese media.

Another interesting aspect is the use of 劇 in expressions that describe sudden changes or impactful events. For example, 劇的な変化[げきてきなへんか] (gekiteki na henka) means "a dramatic change." This type of construction shows how the word goes beyond theater, permeating everyday conversations to describe situations that stand out due to their intensity.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 演劇 (engeki) - theater
• 舞台芸術 (butaigeijutsu) - Arte cênica
• 演劇芸術 (engeki geijutsu) - Art of the theater
• 演劇作品 (engeki sakuhin) - Theatrical work
• 舞台演劇 (butaiengeki) - Theater on stage
• 演劇界 (engeki kai) - The world of theater
• 演劇人 (engeki jin) - Theater artist
• 演劇的 (engeki teki) - Regarding the theater
• 演劇的表現 (engeki teki hyōgen) - Theatrical expression
• 演劇的技術 (engeki teki gijutsu) - Theatrical techniques
• 演劇的才能 (engeki teki sainō) - Theatrical talent
• 演劇的感覚 (engeki teki kankaku) - Theatrical sense
• 演劇的魅力 (engeki teki miryoku) - Atração teatral
• 演劇的醍醐味 (engeki teki daigomi) - Essence of theater
• 演劇的世界 (engeki teki sekai) - Theatrical world
• 演劇の世界 (engeki no sekai) - The world of theater
• 演劇の舞台 (engeki no butai) - Theater stage
• 演劇の作品 (engeki no sakuhin) - Theater work
• 演劇の技術 (engeki no gijutsu) - Theater technique
• 演劇の才能 (engeki no sainō) - Theater talents
• 演劇の感覚 (engeki no kankaku) - Meaning of theater

劇

Romaji: geki
Kana: げき
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: drama; play

Meaning in English: drama;play

Definition: Theater and performing arts.

Example Sentences - (劇) geki

See below some example sentences:

戦争は人類の最大の悲劇です。

Sensou wa jinrui no saidai no higeki desu

War is humanity's greatest tragedy.

War is humanity's greatest tragedy.

• 戦争 (sensou) - war
• は (wa) - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 人類 (jinrui) - humanity
• の (no) - grammatical particle that indicates possession or relationship
• 最大 (saidai) - maximum, greater
• の (no) - grammatical particle that indicates possession or relationship
• 悲劇 (higeki) - tragedy
• です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form

原爆は人類にとって大きな悲劇です。

Gembaku wa jinrui ni totte ookina higeki desu

The atomic bomb is a great tragedy for humanity.

The atomic bomb is a great tragedy for humanity.

• 原爆 (genbaku) - Atomic bomb
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 人類 (jinrui) - humanity
• にとって (ni totte) - For
• 大きな (ookina) - great
• 悲劇 (higeki) - tragedy
• です (desu) - is

劇場で映画を見るのが好きです。

Gekijou de eiga wo miru no ga suki desu

I like to watch movies at the cinema.

I like to watch movies in the theater.

• 劇場 (gekijou) - theater/cinema
• で (de) - in
• 映画 (eiga) - movie
• を (wo) - direct object
• 見る (miru) - watch
• のが (noga) - particle indicating preference
• 好き (suki) - like
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar

この喜劇はとても面白いです。

Kono kigeki wa totemo omoshiroi desu

This comedy is very funny.

This comedy is very interesting.

• この - demonstrative determiner meaning "this"
• 喜劇 - Noun that means "comedy"
• は - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 面白い - adjective meaning "interesting" or "fun"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この劇は明日から上演されます。

Kono geki wa ashita kara jōen sa remasu

This piece will be presented starting tomorrow.

This performance will take place starting tomorrow.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 劇 - noun that means "play" or "drama"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case, "this play"
• 明日 - substantive that means "tomorrow"
• から - particle that indicates the starting point of an action, in this case, "from"
• 上演 - verb that means "to present (a play, a concert, etc.)"
• されます - passive and polite form of the verb "suru", which means "to do" or "to perform"

劇場で映画を見るのが好きです。

Gekijou de eiga wo miru no ga suki desu

I like to watch movies at the cinema.

I like to watch movies in the theater.

• 劇場 (gekijou) - theater
• で (de) - in
• 映画 (eiga) - movie
• を (wo) - object particle
• 見る (miru) - watch
• のが (noga) - particle indicating preference
• 好き (suki) - like
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

私は演劇が大好きです。

Watashi wa engeki ga daisuki desu

I love theater.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• 演劇 (engeki) - noun that means "theater" or "drama"
• が (ga) - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case, "theater"
• 大好き (daisuki) - The adjective that means "to like a lot" or "to adore" is "adorável" in Portuguese, which translates to "adorable" in English.
• です (desu) - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite or formal form of the sentence