Translation and Meaning of: 演出 - enshutsu

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about Japanese culture, you may have come across the word 演出 (えんしゅつ). It appears in various contexts, from artistic productions to everyday situations, and understanding its meaning can enrich your understanding of the language. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, its origin, common uses, and how it is perceived by native speakers. Additionally, we will provide tips for memorizing it and practical examples that illustrate its real-world application.

What does 演出 (えんしゅつ) mean?

The word 演出 is often translated as "direction" or "staging," but its meaning goes beyond that. It refers to the way something is presented, whether it be a theatrical performance, a TV show, or even a special event. The term carries the idea of creating a visual or emotional impact, shaping the audience's experience.

In Japan, 演出 is a valued concept in various fields such as cinema, music, and advertising. A good 演出 not only organizes the elements of a production but also effectively conveys emotions and messages. This is why it's common to hear praises like "演出が素晴らしい" (the direction/staging is amazing) in reviews of films or plays.

Origin and composition of the term

The word 演出 is formed by two kanji: 演 (en), which means "to perform" or "to act," and 出 (shutsu), which can be translated as "to exit" or "to appear." Together, they suggest the idea of "bringing something to life through performance," which perfectly aligns with the concept of artistic direction.

Although there are no exact records of when the term emerged, its use became popular during the Meiji period (1868-1912), when Japan underwent a cultural and artistic modernization. During this time, kabuki theater and other forms of entertainment began to adopt more elaborate production techniques, consolidating the role of 演出 as an essential element in the performing arts.

How is 演出 used in everyday Japanese?

Although it is strongly associated with the arts, 演出 also appears in less formal contexts. For example, the word can be used to describe the careful organization of a romantic dinner or the thematic decoration of a party. In these cases, it emphasizes the care taken to create a specific atmosphere to impress or evoke emotion.

An interesting curiosity is that 演出 sometimes appears in critiques of political or commercial events when there is a perception that something was overly staged to manipulate opinions. This usage reflects how the term is rooted in the notion of intentionality behind any public presentation.

Tips for memorizing and using 演出 correctly

An effective way to solidify the meaning of 演出 is to associate it with artistic productions you know. Think of a movie or theater play with remarkable direction and remember how each detail contributed to the final experience. This emotional connection makes memorization easier.

Another tip is to practice with real examples. Watching interviews with Japanese directors (many available on YouTube) can help you identify how 演出 is used naturally. Expressions like "演出家" (director/stage director) and "演出効果" (staging effect) also expand your related vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 演技 (engi) - Acting, artistic performance
• 演奏 (enzou) - Musical performance
• 演説 (enzetsu) - Public speech, talk
• 演技力 (engi-ryoku) - Acting ability
• 演技派 (engi-ha) - Group or category of talented actors (focused on acting)
• 演出家 (enshutsuka) - Production director, responsible for staging
• 演出者 (enshutsusha) - Who is the director or the stage director
• 演出作品 (enshutsu sakuhin) - Theatrical productions
• 演出劇場 (enshutsu gekijou) - Staged production theater
• 演出スタイル (enshutsu sutairu) - Directing or staging style

演出

Romaji: enshutsu
Kana: えんしゅつ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: Production (for example, play); direction

Meaning in English: production (e.g. play);direction

Definition: Directing all production, directing stage, video, etc.

Example Sentences - (演出) enshutsu

See below some example sentences:

この演出は素晴らしいですね。

Kono enshutsu wa subarashii desu ne

This production is wonderful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 演出 - noun meaning "direction" or "production" (in the context of theater, cinema, etc.)
• は - topic particle indicating that what follows is the subject of the sentence
• 素晴らしい - adjective that means "wonderful" or "excellent"
• です - verb "to be" in the polite and polite form
• ね - final particle indicating an expectation of confirmation or agreement