noun
Refers to theatrical performances, stage plays, or dramatic works. Also used in compounds like 劇団 (theater company) and 劇場 (theater).
今度の劇はシェイクスピアの作品です。
The play this time is a work by Shakespeare.
彼女は劇の主役に選ばれた。
She was chosen for the lead role in the play.
noun
powerful drug
Abbreviation of 劇薬 (げきやく), a term for potent or dangerous drugs. Not used as a standalone word in modern Japanese; appears only in the compound 劇薬 or in technical contexts.
「劇薬」の「劇」は、強い作用を持つ薬を指します。
The 劇 in 劇薬 refers to a drug with strong effects.
The full compound meaning 'powerful drug'; 劇 alone is only an abbreviation and not used independently.
A broader term for theater or drama as an art form, while 劇 often refers to a specific play or performance.
From Middle Chinese 劇 (gjek), meaning 'drama' or 'intense'. The abbreviation sense derives from 劇薬 (powerful drug), where 劇 carries the meaning 'violent' or 'strong'.