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.
あの劇場はとても古いです。
That theatre is very old.
新しい劇場が駅の近くにできた。
A new theatre was built near the station.
Specifically a movie theatre/cinema. Use this when referring to a place to watch films.
週末に映画館に行きませんか。
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.
渋谷の新しいシアターで映画を見た。
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.
彼女は演劇に興味があります。
She is interested in theatre.
大学で演劇を勉強しています。
I'm studying theatre at university.
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.
学園祭で劇をやります。
We'll put on a play at the school festival.
Referring to an operating theatre in a hospital.
The standard term for an operating room/theatre.
患者は手術室に運ばれた。
The patient was taken to the operating theatre.
Referring to a large room for lectures, especially in a university.
A hall or auditorium used for lectures, ceremonies, etc.
講義は大講堂で行われます。
The lecture will be held in the main lecture theatre.
Loanword, sometimes used in university contexts.
レクチャーホールは満席だった。
The lecture theatre was full.
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.
ミュージカルを見に劇場へ行った。
I went to the theatre to see a musical.
映画館でポップコーンを買った。
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'.
演劇部に入りました。
I joined the theatre club.
Kabuki is a traditional Japanese theatre.
彼の謝罪は芝居だった。
His apology was just an act.
He is active in the theatre world.
舞台芸術に携わっています。
I'm involved in the performing arts.