Translation guide
A guide to expressing 'theatre' in Japanese, covering the building, the art form, and related activities.
Referring to the physical building or venue where performances are held.
The standard word for a theatre building or venue.
That theatre is very old.
A new theatre was built near the station.
Specifically a movie theatre/cinema. Use this when referring to a place to watch films.
Would you like to go to the cinema this weekend?
Loanword from English, often used in names of venues or for a modern/trendy feel.
I saw a movie at the new theatre in Shibuya.
Referring to the art of performing plays, drama, or the activity of going to the theatre.
The general term for theatre as an art form, including plays and drama.
She is interested in theatre.
Often refers to traditional Japanese theatre (kabuki, etc.) or a play/performance. Can also mean 'acting' or 'pretending' in a negative sense.
Literally 'stage', but often used to refer to the world of theatre or a theatrical production.
A suffix or short form meaning 'play' or 'drama'. Often used in compounds.
Referring to an operating theatre in a hospital.
The standard term for an operating room/theatre.
The patient was taken to the operating theatre.
Referring to a large room for lectures, especially in a university.
劇場 (gekijō) is for live performances like plays, musicals, and concerts. 映画館 (eigakan) is specifically for movies. Don't use 劇場 for a cinema unless it's a special venue name.
I went to the theatre to see a musical.
I bought popcorn at the cinema.
When referring to the subject or activity of drama/theatre, use 演劇 (engeki) rather than 劇場 (gekijō), which means the building. Saying 劇場を勉強しています would mean 'I'm studying the building'.
I joined the theatre club.
I'm studying theatre at university.
Kabuki is a traditional Japanese theatre.
His apology was just an act.
He is active in the theatre world.
I'm involved in the performing arts.
We'll put on a play at the school festival.