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.
Tonight's performance was wonderful.
There will be a performance in Tokyo next month.
Specifically a musical performance. Use for concerts, recitals, or playing an instrument.
Her piano performance was moving.
Performance of a play, opera, or staged work. Emphasizes the staging aspect.
This play will be performed next week.
Casual term for a live music performance or concert. Very common in everyday speech.
Yesterday's live performance was awesome!
An actor's performance in a film, play, or show.
How well a person, machine, or company performs a task; productivity or output quality.
Business or work results, achievements. Often used for company performance.
This quarter's performance is strong.
Results or grades, often for academic or individual performance.
Loanword used for machine/computer performance, or work efficiency. Common in business and tech contexts.
Performance capability of a machine, device, or system. Technical term.
The act of carrying out a duty, function, or operation.
Actual use of language in concrete situations, as opposed to abstract knowledge.
Technical linguistics term for language performance. Rare outside academic contexts.
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.
The company's financial performance improved.
Her performance in the exam was outstanding.
We attended a traditional dance performance.
She gave a great performance.
彼の学校の成績は優秀だ。
His academic performance is excellent.
This computer's performance is excellent.
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.