Translation and Meaning of: 演劇 - engeki

If you are learning Japanese or are curious about the country's culture, you may have come across the word 演劇[えんげき]. It appears in artistic, educational contexts, and even in everyday conversations, but what exactly does it mean? In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in Japan. Additionally, we will see tips for memorizing the term and curiosities that make this word even more interesting.

The meaning of 演劇[えんげき]

The word 演劇[えんげき] is composed of two kanji: 演 (en), which means "to perform" or "to execute," and 劇 (geki), which refers to "drama" or "theatrical play." Together, they form the term that we translate as "theater" or "dramatic art." Unlike other words related to performances, such as 舞台 (butai, stage) or 芝居 (shibai, theatrical play), 演劇 carries a broader sense, encompassing both the production and execution of theatrical works.

In Japan, 演劇 is not limited to just traditional theater. It encompasses everything from classical plays, such as kabuki and noh, to contemporary and experimental productions. If you are a fan of Japanese culture, you may have seen this word on posters for plays or even in animes and dramas that depict the world of performing arts.

The origin and cultural use of 演劇

The history of theater in Japan is long and rich, and 演劇 is closely tied to this tradition. The term gained popularity during the Meiji period (1868-1912), when Japan underwent a cultural and artistic modernization. During this time, Western theater began to influence local productions, and 演劇 started to be used to differentiate the new forms of dramatic art from the traditional ones.

Today, 演劇 is a common word in the Japanese vocabulary, especially in cities with active theater scenes, such as Tokyo and Osaka. It appears in discussions about arts education, reviews of plays, and even in TV programs that explore the world of theater. If you visit Japan, you will see posters and advertisements using 演劇 to promote performances of all kinds.

How to memorize 演劇[えんげき]

An effective way to remember this word is to associate it with concrete images or situations. Since 演劇 involves acting and drama, think of memorable scenes from Japanese plays or films you've seen. Another tip is to break down the kanji: 演 (en) reminds you of "performance," while 劇 (geki) refers to something intense, like a "drama." Together, they form the concept of theater.

If you use apps like Anki, creating flashcards with sentences like "昨日は素晴らしい演劇を見ました" (Yesterday, I watched an amazing play) can help consolidate vocabulary. Repeating the word in real contexts, whether in conversations or while consuming Japanese content, also makes memorization easier.

The popularity of 演劇 in Japan

Although cinema and television dominate part of modern entertainment, theater still holds a special place in Japanese culture. Major cities host renowned theaters, and many universities offer 演劇 clubs for students. Additionally, theater festivals are held regularly, attracting both art lovers and curious tourists.

An interesting fact is that 演劇 is not limited to professionals. Many Japanese people engage in amateur theater as a hobby, participating in local groups or staging plays at community events. If you want to dive into Japanese culture, watching a play of 演劇 can be an enriching experience.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 舞台芸術 (butai geijutsu) - Stage art encompasses various forms of artistic performances.
• 演劇芸術 (engeki geijutsu) - Theatrical art specifically refers to the art of theater.
• 演芸 (engei) - Performance art, which may include various forms of live entertainment.
• 舞台演劇 (butai engeki) - Stage theater, focused on theatrical performances at their most subtle level.
• 演劇作品 (engeki sakuhin) - Theatrical works, referring to specific plays created for the stage.
• 演劇界 (engeki kai) - Theater world refers to the theater community and industry.
• 演劇芸能 (engeki geinou) - Theatrical and artistic performances, encompassing skills and related techniques.
• 演劇演出 (engeki enshutsu) - Theatrical direction, the act of directing plays.
• 演劇人 (engeki hito) - Theater professionals, referring to the actors and creators involved.
• 演劇上演 (engeki jouen) - Theatrical performance, the act of staging a work on stage.

演劇

Romaji: engeki
Kana: えんげき
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: play (theatrical)

Meaning in English: play (theatrical)

Definition: Drama: a play. The art form of telling a story on stage.

Example Sentences - (演劇) engeki

See below some example sentences:

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