本番
Meanings
real performance; actual event; going live
Contrasts with rehearsal, practice, or preparation. Used for stage, broadcast, recording, and similar situations where there is a clear distinction between practice and the real thing.
The rehearsal went well, but I messed up during the actual performance.
Let's check the script one more time before we go live.
Used for sports and competitive events, emphasizing the real match as opposed to practice or exhibition.
I'm just going to practice lightly today to prepare for tomorrow's game.
real sex act; unsimulated sex
Vulgar; used in contexts of prostitution or adult films to distinguish actual intercourse from simulated or non-penetrative acts.
This adult video is a production that includes unsimulated sex.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉は本番に強いto perform well under real pressure (as opposed to practice)
She's an athlete who performs better in the real match than in practice.
- 夏が本番を迎えるfor summer to reach its peak
As August arrived, summer reached its peak.
- 本番前に緊張するto get nervous before the real performance
I got so nervous before the actual performance that I couldn't sleep well.
- 本番を迎えるfor the real event to finally arrive
After a long period of preparation, the real event finally arrived.
- 本番でミスをするto make a mistake during the actual performance
I made a mistake during the real performance and it was frustrating.