Translation guide
A place where films are shown on a large screen. In Japanese, the most common term is 映画館 (eigakan). There are also specific terms for different types of cinemas, such as those showing foreign films or small independent theatres.
A standard cinema where films are shown to the public.
The standard word for a movie theatre. Used in everyday conversation.
A theatre that specializes in a certain type of film, such as foreign, independent, or classic movies.
A theatre that shows classic or older films, often at a lower price. A nostalgic term.
名画座で黒澤明の映画を観た。
I watched an Akira Kurosawa film at a classic movie theatre.
映画館 is the general term for any movie theatre. シネコン refers specifically to a multiplex with many screens, often in suburban areas. ミニシアター is a small independent theatre, usually in urban areas, showing non-mainstream films.
この近くに映画館はありますか。
Is there a movie theatre near here?
7時に映画館で会いましょう。
Let's meet at the movie theatre at 7.
週末に映画館に行きませんか。
Would you like to go to the movie theatre this weekend?
あの映画館はいつも混んでいる。
That movie theatre is always crowded.
A loanword from English, often used in names of theatres or in a slightly more stylish context. Can sound a bit trendy.
新しいシネマが駅前にオープンした。
A new cinema opened in front of the station.
A more formal or literary term, literally 'film theatre'. Rarely used in daily speech.
この映画劇場は歴史的建造物に指定されている。
This movie theatre has been designated a historic building.
A small independent cinema, often showing arthouse or foreign films. Very common term for non-mainstream theatres.
渋谷のミニシアターでフランス映画を上映している。
They're showing a French film at a mini-theatre in Shibuya.
Short for 'cinema complex', a multiplex theatre with many screens. Very common in modern Japan.
郊外のシネコンは駐車場が広い。
The multiplex in the suburbs has a large parking lot.