Translation guide
The English word 'audience' can refer to a group of people watching or listening to a performance, a formal meeting with an important person, or the readership of a publication. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Referring to the people watching a performance, concert, lecture, etc.
The most common word for 'audience' at a performance, show, or sporting event. It specifically refers to the people present.
観客が拍手を送った。
The audience applauded.
彼の演奏は観客を魅了した。
His performance captivated the audience.
Used specifically for an audience that is listening, such as at a concert, lecture, or speech. Emphasizes the listening aspect.
Similar to 観客 but often used for larger crowds or spectators at public events. Slightly more formal or written.
A private or official meeting with a monarch, dignitary, or high-ranking person.
The people who read a book, watch a TV show, or consume a particular medium.
Specifically refers to the readership of a book, magazine, or article. Not used for TV or performance audiences.
The specific group of people something is aimed at, such as in marketing or education.
観客 is the most general term for an audience at any live event. 聴衆 emphasizes listening and is used for concerts or lectures. 観衆 is more formal and often used for large crowds at public spectacles.
観客が笑った。
The audience laughed.
聴衆は静かに耳を傾けた。
The audience listened quietly.
観客は総立ちで拍手を送った。
The audience gave a standing ovation.
講演会には多くの聴衆が集まった。
A large audience gathered for the lecture.
スタジアムの観衆が歓声を上げた。
The audience in the stadium cheered.
A formal audience with a monarch or high-ranking official. Often used in historical or official contexts.
大使は国王に謁見した。
The ambassador had an audience with the king.
A humble expression for being granted an audience with a superior or noble. Used in historical or very formal settings.
将軍にお目通りがかなった。
I was granted an audience with the shogun.
A very formal and humble term for an audience with an emperor or high noble. Rarely used in modern Japanese.
天皇陛下に拝謁を賜った。
I was granted an audience with His Majesty the Emperor.
この本は若い読者に人気がある。
This book is popular with a young audience.
Refers to viewers of TV programs or online videos. Combines 'watch' and 'listen'.
その番組は多くの視聴者を獲得した。
The program gained a large audience.
Specifically for radio listeners or podcast audiences. Less common than 視聴者.
ラジオの聴取者数が減少している。
The radio audience is declining.
Can also be used for the audience of a live broadcast or event, but not for readers or online viewers.
公開収録の観客として参加した。
I participated as a member of the audience for the public recording.
Refers to the target audience or intended recipients of a product, service, or message.
この広告の対象者は20代の女性です。
The target audience for this advertisement is women in their 20s.
Loanword from English, commonly used in marketing and business contexts to mean 'target audience'.
この商品のターゲットは若者だ。
The target audience for this product is young people.
Literally 'receiver', used in communication theory to refer to the audience or recipient of a message.
メッセージの受け手によって解釈が異なる。
Interpretation varies depending on the audience.
観客 only refers to people physically present at an event. For readers of a book or article, use 読者. For TV viewers, use 視聴者.
She knows her audience well.