also: しょうちゅう
center of a Noh stage
Technical term in Noh theater; refers to the central area of the stage where the main performer often stands.
能舞台の正中に立つと、観客の視線を一身に集める。
When you stand at the center of the Noh stage, you draw the audience's full attention.
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
Shōchū era (1324.12.9-1326.4.26)
Only with reading しょうちゅう
Japanese era name during the late Kamakura period; used in historical contexts.
正中の変は、後醍醐天皇の討幕計画が発覚した事件である。
The Shōchū Incident was an event in which Emperor Go-Daigo's plan to overthrow the shogunate was discovered.
Standard kanji spelling for both the Noh stage center and the historical era name.
Rare reading for the Noh stage center; しょうちゅう is the more common reading.
Kana spelling used when the reading needs to be clear, especially for the era name.
The kanji 正 (correct, central) and 中 (middle) combine to mean 'center' or 'middle'. The reading しょうちゅう is the on'yomi; しょうなか is a mixed on-kun reading specific to the Noh term.