序曲
Meanings
1
Refers to an orchestral opening piece, or metaphorically to an event that signals the beginning of something larger.
The orchestra began to play the opera's overture.
This small clash was merely a prelude to the great war that followed.
Usage patterns
- 〈事〉の序曲となるto serve as the prelude/opening sign of something (larger event)
That small clash became the prelude to the war.
- 序曲が始まるfor the overture (of an opera, etc.) to begin
The hall went dark and the overture began.
- 序曲を奏するfor an orchestra to play the overture
The orchestra played the opera's overture.