Translation guide
The English word "performance" covers many distinct meanings, from artistic shows to work efficiency. Japanese uses different words for each. This guide breaks them down by intended meaning.
A live show, concert, play, dance, or other entertainment event.
General term for a public performance, such as a concert, play, or show. Neutral and widely used.
今夜の公演は素晴らしかった。
Tonight's performance was wonderful.
来月、東京で公演があります。
There will be a performance in Tokyo next month.
Specifically a musical performance. Use for concerts, recitals, or playing an instrument.
彼女のピアノの演奏は感動的だった。
Her piano performance was moving.
Performance of a play, opera, or staged work. Emphasizes the staging aspect.
この劇は来週上演されます。
This play will be performed next week.
Casual term for a live music performance or concert. Very common in everyday speech.
昨日のライブは最高だった！
Yesterday's live performance was awesome!
An actor's performance in a film, play, or show.
Refers to acting skill or a specific acting performance. The standard term.
彼の演技はとても自然だ。
His performance is very natural.
主演女優の演技が光っていた。
The lead actress's performance shone.
A great or masterful performance. Often used in reviews.
How well a person, machine, or company performs a task; productivity or output quality.
Business or work results, achievements. Often used for company performance.
今期の業績は好調だ。
This quarter's performance is strong.
Results or grades, often for academic or individual performance.
Performance capability of a machine, device, or system. Technical term.
The act of carrying out a duty, function, or operation.
Execution or carrying out of a plan, task, or program. Often used in computing.
計画の実行には時間がかかる。
The performance of the plan will take time.
Accomplishment or execution of a duty or mission. More formal.
Actual use of language in concrete situations, as opposed to abstract knowledge.
Technical linguistics term for language performance. Rare outside academic contexts.
チョムスキーは言語能力と言語運用を区別した。
Chomsky distinguished between linguistic competence and performance.
While パフォーマンス can mean a stage performance in some contexts, it often sounds like a buzzword or refers to street performance. For concerts and plays, use 公演, 演奏, or 上演 instead.
業績 is for business results, 成績 for grades or track records, and パフォーマンス for measurable output or machine capability. Don't mix them up.
会社の財務業績が改善した。
The company's financial performance improved.
彼女の試験の成績は抜群だった。
Her performance in the exam was outstanding.
私たちは伝統舞踊の公演を見に行った。
We attended a traditional dance performance.
彼女は名演技を見せた。
She gave a great performance.
彼の学校の成績は優秀だ。
His academic performance is excellent.
Loanword used for machine/computer performance, or work efficiency. Common in business and tech contexts.
このパソコンのパフォーマンスは素晴らしい。
This computer's performance is excellent.
チームのパフォーマンスを向上させる必要がある。
We need to improve the team's performance.
この車の性能は信頼できる。
This car's performance is reliable.
任務の遂行が最優先だ。
The performance of the mission is top priority.