Translation guide
The English word "stage" covers several distinct concepts in Japanese. The most common meanings are a platform for performances, a phase in a process, and a level in a video game. Other uses include theater/drama in a broader sense, a staging area, or a rocket stage. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese word based on what you want to express.
A raised area where performers act, speak, or play music.
The standard word for a stage in a theater, concert hall, or similar venue. Can also be used metaphorically for the setting of an event.
His dream is to stand on stage.
Wait in the wings for one's turn.
Loanword from English, commonly used for concert stages, event stages, and in compound words. Slightly more casual or modern feel than 舞台.
I got nervous when I went up on stage.
A distinct period or step in development, progress, or a sequence.
The most common word for a stage in a process, plan, or development. Used in both formal and everyday contexts.
The plan is still in the early stages.
Loanword often used for steps in a procedure, manual, or recipe. More casual and concrete than 段階.
Refers to a stage or phase in a situation, especially in games, politics, or crises. More formal and often used in news or analysis.
A distinct area or set of challenges in a game.
The standard term for a stage or level in video games. Used across all genres.
This stage is difficult.
Just a little more until the boss stage.
Often used as a counter or suffix for stages/levels, especially in retro games or traditional game terminology. Can sound old-fashioned.
The world of acting, plays, and theatrical performance.
Refers to theater or drama as a performing art. Use this when talking about the field or activity, not the physical platform.
She is interested in the stage (theater).
Can also mean the theatrical world or a career on stage, often in phrases like 舞台に立つ (appear on stage) or 舞台芸術 (performing arts).
A raised platform or area for construction, events, or temporary use.
Scaffolding or a temporary platform for construction work. Also used metaphorically for a foothold or base of operations.
Scaffolding was set up at the construction site.
A platform or dais for speakers, presentations, or ceremonies. More specific than 舞台.
A section of a rocket that separates during flight.
Used as a counter or suffix for rocket stages. Often combined with numbers, e.g., 第1段 (first stage).
The rocket's second stage was jettisoned.
Both mean a physical stage, but 舞台 is more traditional and often used for theater, while ステージ is common for concerts, events, and video games. 舞台 can also refer to the theatrical world, whereas ステージ does not carry that nuance.
While 舞台 can mean a stage for performances, it is not used for video game levels. Use ステージ or 面 instead.
The project is in the final stage.
She walked onto the stage.
I can't get past this stage.
Let's move on to the next stage.
最初のステップは材料を切ることです。
The first step is to cut the ingredients.
交渉は新たな局面を迎えた。
The negotiations entered a new stage.
I beat the boss of stage 1.
The world of the stage is tough.
I went up on the stage and gave a speech.