When you want to talk about a place where you watch plays or musicals, the word you're looking for in Japanese is 劇場 (げきじょう - gekijou). This specifically refers to a theater building designed for performing arts.
For example, if you're going to see a play, you'd say you're going to the 劇場. It's different from a movie theater, which is called 映画館 (えいがかん - eigakan).
So, remember 劇場 for live performances!
When talking about places where you watch plays or musicals, the word to use is 劇場 (gekijō). This specifically refers to a theater building designed for performing arts. You might hear it in sentences like「週末に劇場で舞台を観ました。」(I watched a stage play at the theater on the weekend.) or 「新しい劇場が駅の近くにできました。」(A new theater was built near the station.). Remember, if you're thinking of a movie theater, that's a different word in Japanese: 映画館 (eigakan).
When talking about places where you watch plays or musicals, the word to use is 劇場 (gekijō). This specifically refers to a theater building designed for performing arts. You might hear it in sentences like 「週末に劇場へ芝居を見に行った。」 (I went to the theater to see a play on the weekend.)
It's different from, say, 映画館 (eigakan), which is a movie theater. So, if you're going to see a live performance, 劇場 is the word you'll want to use to sound natural in Japanese.
When discussing places where plays, musicals, or other performing arts are held, 劇場 (gekijou) is the most common and appropriate term. It specifically refers to a theater building designed for stage performances.
While you might also encounter terms like ホール (hōru), which can mean 'hall' and sometimes hosts performances, 劇場 (gekijou) emphasizes the dedicated nature of the venue for theatrical productions. It's a straightforward term to use when you want to talk about going to see a play or a musical.
Understanding げきじょう (gekijō) correctly is key to talking about entertainment venues in Japanese. While it primarily means 'theater' for performances, learners often make a few common mistakes. Let's look at them so you can avoid them.
§ Mistake 1: Using げきじょう for movie theaters
This is probably the most frequent mistake. In English, 'theater' can refer to both a place for live performances and a cinema. However, in Japanese, these are distinct.
- Definition
- げきじょう (gekijō): A venue for live stage performances like plays, musicals, opera, or traditional Japanese arts (kabuki, noh).
- Correct Term for Movie Theater
- えいがかん (eigakan): This specifically means 'movie theater' or 'cinema'.
週末に映画館で映画を見ました。
Hint: On the weekend, I watched a movie at the (movie) theater.
§ Mistake 2: Confusing げきじょう with concert halls
While both host live events, there's a nuance. げきじょう is typically for performances with a strong narrative or dramatic element.
- Correct Term for Concert Hall
- コンサートホール (konsāto hōru): This is the specific term for a concert hall where musical performances are held.
そのコンサートホールは音響が良いです。
Hint: That (concert) hall has good acoustics.
§ Mistake 3: Overgeneralizing げきじょう
While げきじょう is the general term for a performance theater, sometimes more specific terms are used depending on the type of performance or the age of the audience.
- 劇場 (gekijō): General term for a theater.
- 歌舞伎座 (Kabuki-za): A specific theater for Kabuki performances.
- 能楽堂 (Nōgakudō): A specific theater for Noh and Kyogen performances.
- 児童劇団 (jidō gekidan): A children's theater group (or the theater they perform in).
While you can often use げきじょう as a catch-all, knowing the more specific terms shows a deeper understanding and can be more precise.
来月、歌舞伎座で伝統的な劇を見ます。
Hint: Next month, I will see a traditional play at the Kabuki-za (theater).
§ How to use げきじょう correctly
To avoid these mistakes, remember that げきじょう is specifically for live, usually dramatic, stage performances. When in doubt, consider the type of entertainment:
- Plays, Musicals, Opera, Kabuki, Noh: Use げきじょう (gekijō).
- Movies: Use えいがかん (eigakan).
- Concerts (music): Use コンサートホール (konsāto hōru).
彼女はよく劇場で演劇を見ます。
Hint: She often watches plays at the (performance) theater.
By keeping these distinctions in mind, you'll use げきじょう (gekijō) accurately and sound much more natural in Japanese.
Fun Fact
The kanji 劇 (geki) means 'drama' or 'play', and 場 (jō) means 'place' or 'venue'. So, it literally means 'drama place'.
Difficulty Rating
Two common kanji characters. 劇 (play) and 場 (place).
Both kanji characters have multiple strokes. Practice writing them.
Pronunciation is straightforward: ge-ki-jou.
Clear pronunciation, easy to distinguish.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Examples by Level
げきじょうへいきます。
I go to the theater.
これはげきじょうです。
This is a theater.
げきじょうはどこですか。
Where is the theater?
げきじょうにいます。
I am at the theater.
げきじょうでえいがをみますか。
Do you watch movies at the theater?
ちいさいげきじょうです。
It is a small theater.
げきじょうでまちます。
I wait at the theater.
あたらしいげきじょうです。
It is a new theater.
劇場のチケットを予約しました。
I reserved tickets for the theater.
週末に劇場で新しい劇を見に行きます。
I'm going to see a new play at the theater this weekend.
その劇場は歴史的な建物です。
That theater is a historic building.
劇場の前にたくさんの人が並んでいました。
Many people were lining up in front of the theater.
劇場の音響システムは素晴らしいです。
The theater's sound system is excellent.
子供の頃、よく劇場に連れて行ってもらいました。
When I was a child, I was often taken to the theater.
劇場の座席は快適でした。
The theater seats were comfortable.
劇場の近くに美味しいレストランがあります。
There's a delicious restaurant near the theater.
週末に新しい劇場の開演を祝うイベントがあります。
There's an event this weekend to celebrate the opening of the new theater.
開演 (kaien): start of a performance
その劇場は歴史的な建物で、内装もとても美しいです。
That theater is a historic building, and its interior is also very beautiful.
内装 (naisō): interior design/decor
劇場のチケットはオンラインで事前に購入できます。
You can buy theater tickets online in advance.
事前に (jizen ni): in advance
子供向けのミュージカルが上演される劇場を探しています。
I'm looking for a theater where children's musicals are being performed.
上演 (jōen): performance/showing
この劇場は音響設備が優れていて、どんな席からでもよく聞こえます。
This theater has excellent acoustic equipment, so you can hear well from any seat.
音響設備 (onkyō setsubi): sound equipment
次の公演のチケットは、劇場のウェブサイトで確認してください。
Please check the theater's website for tickets to the next performance.
公演 (kōen): performance
劇場の周辺には、食事を楽しめるレストランがたくさんあります。
Around the theater, there are many restaurants where you can enjoy a meal.
周辺 (shūhen): surroundings/vicinity
私たちは毎年、クリスマスに家族で劇場に足を運びます。
Every year, our family goes to the theater at Christmas.
足を運ぶ (ashi o hakobu): to go (to a place)
劇場の舞台で輝く俳優たちの演技に、観客は皆息をのんだ。
The audience was breathless at the actors' brilliant performance on the theater stage.
〜に息をのむ (to be breathless at...)
週末に友人と劇場の新作ミュージカルを観に行く予定です。
I'm planning to go see the new musical at the theater with friends this weekend.
〜を観に行く (to go see...)
この劇場は、歴史ある建築様式で有名です。
This theater is famous for its historic architectural style.
〜で有名だ (to be famous for...)
開演前に劇場のカフェでコーヒーを飲みながら時間を潰した。
I killed time drinking coffee at the theater cafe before the show started.
〜ながら (while doing...)
劇場の座席は快適で、長時間の公演でも疲れませんでした。
The theater seats were comfortable, so I didn't get tired even during a long performance.
〜でも (even if/when...)
彼は劇場の裏方として、照明や音響を担当している。
He works backstage at the theater, in charge of lighting and sound.
〜として (as a...)
子供の頃から、劇場の華やかな雰囲気に憧れていました。
Since childhood, I've longed for the glamorous atmosphere of the theater.
〜に憧れる (to long for...)
劇場のチケットは発売開始と同時にすぐに売り切れてしまった。
The theater tickets sold out immediately upon release.
〜と同時に (at the same time as...)
Idioms & Expressions
"げきじょうへいく"
To go to the theater
週末に友達とげきじょうへいく予定です。
neutral"げきじょうでみる"
To watch at the theater
新しいミュージカルをげきじょうでみました。
neutral"げきじょうにであう"
To meet at the theater
開演前にげきじょうでであいましょう。
neutral"げきじょうのチケット"
Theater ticket
げきじょうのチケットを予約しましたか？
neutral"げきじょうのぶたい"
Theater stage
彼はげきじょうのぶたいで輝いていました。
neutral"げきじょうのえんげき"
Theater play
日本の伝統的なげきじょうのえんげきを観ました。
neutral"げきじょうのまわり"
Around the theater
げきじょうのまわりに美味しいレストランがあります。
neutral"げきじょうがいっぱい"
Theater is full
人気公演なので、げきじょうがいっぱいでした。
neutral"げきじょうのそと"
Outside the theater
開場時間までげきじょうのそとで待っていました。
neutral"げきじょうのなか"
Inside the theater
げきじょうのなかに美しい装飾がありました。
neutralHow to Use It
When talking about a building where you watch plays or musicals, use げきじょう (gekijō). This is the common term for a theater in this context. If you're referring to a movie theater, the more common term is えいがかん (eigakan).
A common mistake is using げきじょう (gekijō) when you mean a movie theater. While technically it could be understood, it's not the most natural choice. Always prefer えいがかん (eigakan) for movie theaters to sound more natural.
Word Origin
From Middle Chinese '劇場' (kyek-jang)
Original meaning: Performance hall, playhouse
Sino-JapaneseCultural Context
<p>In Japan, a 劇場 (gekijō) can refer to a wide variety of performance spaces, from traditional Kabuki theaters to modern musical halls. It's distinct from a 映画館 (eigakan), which is specifically a movie theater.</p>
Test Yourself 78 questions
私は今日、新しい___に行きます。
The sentence means 'Today, I am going to the new ___.' The word 'げきじょう' (theater) fits the context of a place you go to see a performance.
この___はとても大きいです。
The sentence means 'This ___ is very big.' 'げきじょう' (theater) can be a large building.
友達と___で映画を見ました。
The sentence means 'I watched a movie with my friend at the ___.' While 'えいがかん' (movie theater) is more specific, 'げきじょう' can sometimes be used more broadly, especially for performing arts, but in a simple context, it can refer to a place for shows. For A1, this is acceptable as an option for a place to see a show.
___で、きれいなダンスを見ました。
The sentence means 'I saw a beautiful dance at the ___.' A 'げきじょう' (theater) is where you would typically see a dance performance.
週末に___で劇を見ます。
The sentence means 'I will see a play at the ___ on the weekend.' A 'げきじょう' (theater) is the correct place to see a play.
この___はゆうめいです。
The sentence means 'This ___ is famous.' A 'げきじょう' (theater) can be famous.
This sentence means 'I go to the theater'. In Japanese, the subject often comes first, followed by the destination with the particle 'へ' (e) and then the verb.
This means 'There is a big theater'. The adjective '大きい' (ookii, big) modifies '劇場' (gekijou, theater), and 'が' (ga) marks the subject, followed by the existence verb 'あります' (arimasu).
This translates to 'I watch a movie at the theater'. '劇場で' (gekijou de) indicates the location of the action, '映画を' (eiga o) is the direct object, and '見ます' (mimasu) is the verb.
週末、新しい____で映画を観ました。
The sentence talks about watching a movie, and 'げきじょう' (theater) is the most suitable place for that among the given options.
彼女は____で劇を見るのが好きです。
The sentence mentions watching a play (劇), so 'げきじょう' (theater) is the correct word.
この____はとても歴史があります。
Without more context, 'げきじょう' (theater) is a plausible word to describe as having a lot of history, especially for older theaters.
____の前で友達と待ち合わせをしました。
Meeting a friend in front of a 'げきじょう' (theater) is a common activity.
新しいミュージカルが____で上演されます。
Musicals are performed in a 'げきじょう' (theater).
____の座席を予約しました。
You reserve seats at a 'げきじょう' (theater) to watch a performance.
Listen for where they are going to see a new play.
Listen for what about the theater was being asked.
Listen for where she dreams of working.
Read this aloud:
劇場で友達と会います。
Focus: げきじょう (ge-ki-jō)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
その劇場はとても有名です。
Focus: げきじょうは (ge-ki-jō wa)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
劇場は駅の近くにあります。
Focus: えきのちかくに (e-ki no chi-ka-ku ni)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Write a short sentence about going to the theater to see a play.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
私は劇場に芝居を見に行きます。
Describe what kind of building a げきじょう is.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
劇場は演劇やミュージカルを上演する大きい建物です。
Imagine you are inviting a friend to go to the theater with you. Write a simple invitation.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
一緒に劇場に行きませんか？
この人は週末にどこへ行きましたか？
Read this passage:
週末、私は友達と新しい劇場へ行きました。とても大きい建物で、きれいな舞台がありました。私たちはそこで有名なミュージカルを見ました。とても楽しかったです。
この人は週末にどこへ行きましたか？
文章の冒頭で「新しい劇場へ行きました」とあります。
文章の冒頭で「新しい劇場へ行きました」とあります。
劇場で見ることができるものは何ですか？
Read this passage:
劇場は色々なショーを見ることができる場所です。例えば、芝居やミュージカルがあります。時にはコンサートも開かれます。私は特にミュージカルが好きです。
劇場で見ることができるものは何ですか？
文章中に「芝居やミュージカルがあります」と書かれています。
文章中に「芝居やミュージカルがあります」と書かれています。
この人は来月、何を見る予定ですか？
Read this passage:
私は来月、東京の有名な劇場で伝統的な日本の芝居を見る予定です。その劇場はとても歴史があるそうです。今からとても楽しみにしています。
この人は来月、何を見る予定ですか？
文章の最後で「伝統的な日本の芝居を見る予定です」と述べられています。
文章の最後で「伝統的な日本の芝居を見る予定です」と述べられています。
This sentence means 'I watch movies at the theater.' The standard Japanese sentence structure is Subject-Object-Verb, and the location particle 'で' follows '劇場'.
This sentence means 'The new theater is very beautiful.' '新しい' modifies '劇場', and 'とても' (very) intensifies 'きれいです' (beautiful).
This sentence means 'Shall we go to the theater together?' 'へ' is a particle indicating direction, and '行きませんか' is a polite invitation.
What are they going to see this weekend?
What happened to the theater tickets?
What is special about that theater?
Read this aloud:
週末に劇場で新しい劇を見に行きます。
Focus: げきじょう (ge-ki-jō)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
劇場のチケットはもう売り切れました。
Focus: うりきれました (u-ri-ki-re-ma-shi-ta)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
あの劇場は歴史が長くて有名です。
Focus: ゆうめいです (yū-mei-de-su)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Write a short sentence using 「劇場」 (げきじょう) to describe where you would go to see a play.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
私は劇を見るために劇場に行きます。
Imagine you are inviting a friend to a musical. Write a sentence asking if they want to go to the theater with you.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
一緒に劇場でミュージカルを見ませんか。
Describe something interesting about a theater you have visited, using the word 「劇場」.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
先日行った劇場はとても古い建物で、歴史を感じました。
この文章から、友達とどこへ行きましたか。
Read this passage:
週末、友達と新しい劇場へ行きました。そこでは有名な劇が上演されていて、チケットはすぐに売り切れてしまいました。私たちは運良くチケットを手に入れることができ、素晴らしい時間を過ごしました。
この文章から、友達とどこへ行きましたか。
文章中に「新しい劇場へ行きました」とあります。
文章中に「新しい劇場へ行きました」とあります。
この人は何を見に行く予定ですか。
Read this passage:
来月、この劇場で人気のミュージカルが始まります。私はもうチケットを予約しました。あなたも一緒に行きませんか。たぶん、席はすぐにいっぱいになりますよ。
この人は何を見に行く予定ですか。
文章中に「人気のミュージカルが始まります」とあります。
文章中に「人気のミュージカルが始まります」とあります。
一番大きい劇場はどこにありますか。
Read this passage:
この街にはいくつかの劇場がありますが、一番大きい劇場は駅の近くにあります。その劇場は特に演劇で有名です。
一番大きい劇場はどこにありますか。
文章中に「一番大きい劇場は駅の近くにあります」とあります。
文章中に「一番大きい劇場は駅の近くにあります」とあります。
週末、新しい____で上演される劇を見に行く予定です。 (This weekend, I plan to go see a play performed at the new ____.)
The context mentions a 'play performed', which is typically done in a 劇場 (theater).
その____は音響が素晴らしいので、音楽劇に最適です。 (That ____ is perfect for musicals because the acoustics are wonderful.)
Musicals are performed in a 劇場 (theater) and good acoustics are important for such performances.
彼女は子供の頃から____でバレエを習っていました。 (She has been learning ballet at the ____ since she was a child.)
Ballet is often taught or performed in a 劇場 (theater) or a studio associated with one.
この____は歴史が古く、多くの有名俳優が舞台に立ちました。 (This ____ has a long history, and many famous actors have performed on its stage.)
Actors perform on a stage within a 劇場 (theater).
チケットは発売開始すぐに完売してしまい、人気の____です。 (Tickets sold out immediately after going on sale; it's a popular ____.)
Plays and musicals performed in a 劇場 (theater) often have tickets that sell out quickly if they are popular.
新しい____が駅前に建設され、町の文化活動が活発になりました。 (A new ____ was built in front of the station, and the town's cultural activities became more active.)
A 劇場 (theater) contributes to a town's cultural activities.
This sentence describes that a new theater has been built.
This sentence expresses the intention to go to the theater to see a play on the weekend.
This sentence means that the theater is reputed to have excellent acoustics.
先週末、新しい___で素晴らしい演劇を観ました。 (Last weekend, I watched a wonderful play at the new ___.)
The context of watching a 'play' (演劇) strongly indicates 'theater' (劇場) as the correct venue.
この___は音響設備が優れているため、音楽劇に最適です。 (This ___ is perfect for musicals because of its excellent acoustics.)
The phrase 'perfect for musicals' (音楽劇に最適です) and 'excellent acoustics' (音響設備が優れている) points to 'theater' (劇場).
チケットは発売開始からわずか数分で完売し、___は熱気に包まれました。 (Tickets sold out within minutes of going on sale, and the ___ was filled with excitement.)
The context of 'tickets selling out' (完売し) and being 'filled with excitement' (熱気に包まれました) clearly refers to a 'theater' (劇場) where performances are held.
有名な演出家がこの___のために新しい舞台美術をデザインしました。 (A famous director designed new stage art for this ___.)
The mention of a 'director' (演出家) and 'stage art' (舞台美術) directly relates to a 'theater' (劇場).
歴史ある___の改修工事が来月から始まります。 (Renovation work on the historic ___ will begin next month.)
While other options could be renovated, the context of 'historic' (歴史ある) and a place for performances strongly implies a 'theater' (劇場).
彼女は___で初めて主役を演じ、大成功を収めました。 (She played the lead role for the first time at the ___ and achieved great success.)
The act of 'playing the lead role' (主役を演じ) is an activity associated with a 'theater' (劇場).
This sentence means 'The new theater will open next month.'
This sentence means 'That theater has a long history.'
This sentence means 'Today, I will watch a play at the theater.'
Choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: 彼は週末に新しい___で上演される演劇を見に行った。
The sentence talks about watching a play, and 'げきじょう' (theater) is the correct place for that. The other options are irrelevant.
Which of the following is typically found in a げきじょう?
A 'げきじょう' (theater) is primarily defined by having a '舞台' (stage) for performances. The other items are found in different locations.
In which context would you most likely use the word げきじょう?
げきじょう specifically refers to a theater for plays and musicals, making 'planning to attend a live musical performance' the most suitable context.
げきじょう is a place where you would go to buy groceries.
げきじょう is a theater for performances, not a place to buy groceries. A supermarket or grocery store would be where you buy groceries.
A げきじょう often has comfortable seating for the audience.
The primary function of a げきじょう is to host performances for an audience, so comfortable seating is a standard feature.
The word げきじょう can be used interchangeably with 'cinema' (映画館, eigakan).
げきじょう refers specifically to a theater for live performances like plays or musicals, while 映画館 (eigakan) refers to a movie theater. They are not interchangeable.
/ 78 correct
Perfect score!
Example
今日は劇場でミュージカルを観ます。
