Translation guide
The English word 'cinema' can refer to the art or industry of filmmaking, a movie theater, or films collectively. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
I love cinema.
Let's go to the cinema.
Referring to cinema as an art form, the film industry, or the world of movies.
The most common word for 'movie' or 'film'. In context, it can also refer to the art or industry of cinema.
He is studying the history of cinema.
A loanword from English, often used in artistic or sophisticated contexts, such as in film festival names or when emphasizing cinema as an art form.
Literally 'film art', used in academic or critical discussions to specifically denote cinema as an art form.
Referring to a building or venue where films are shown.
The standard word for a movie theater or cinema.
I went to a new cinema on the weekend.
Short for 'cinema complex', referring to a multiplex theater with many screens.
A more formal or old-fashioned term for a movie theater, sometimes used for classic or independent cinemas.
Referring to movies in general, or the body of work in film.
映画 is the everyday word for movies and cinema. シネマ is a loanword that sounds more artistic or highbrow, often used in names of film festivals or art-house contexts. Using シネマ in casual conversation might sound pretentious.
While 'cinema' in English can mean a movie theater, シネマ in Japanese usually does not. Use 映画館 for the venue.
この映画祭は世界のシネマを紹介する。
This film festival introduces world cinema.
He is exploring the possibilities of cinema as an art.
郊外のシネコンで映画を見た。
I watched a movie at a multiplex in the suburbs.
That old cinema is still in business.
His cinema is internationally acclaimed.