Translation and Meaning of: 芝居 - shibai
On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 芝居 (shibai) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.
Romaji: shibai
Kana: しばい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3
Translation / Meaning: to play; drama
Meaning in English: play;drama
Definition: A play that uses acting techniques and performance to express a story.
Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases
Explanation and Etymology - (芝居) shibai
The word 「芝居」 (shibai) mainly refers to the term "theater" in Japanese, encompassing both the practice and live dramatic performance. This expression is composed of two kanji: 「芝」 (shi) meaning "grass" or "lawn" and 「居」 (bai), which has the sense of "reside" or "exist." In the theatrical context, the combination of these kanji may seem unusual, but there is an interesting historical explanation behind it.
The etymology of 「芝居」 dates back to feudal Japan, where popular theatrical performances were often held outdoors on lawns ("芝") or in open areas. These performances aimed to entertain the population and incorporated various cultural elements, often related to epic narratives or everyday life. Over time, the term evolved to encompass any type of theatrical performance, regardless of location. The "reside" element of the kanji 「居」 suggests the idea that these performances "came to life" in these green spaces.
Nowadays, 「芝居」 encompasses a wide range of theatrical practices, including traditional forms such as kabuki and noh, as well as modern and experimental plays. The use of the word is not limited to large productions; it can also refer to smaller performances, being an expression adaptable to the context. Other variations and related terms, such as 「芝居小屋」 (shibaigoya), or "small theater," describe smaller physical spaces dedicated to performances. Therefore, the understanding of 「芝居」 involves an appreciation of both the language and the rich Japanese theatrical tradition.
Synonyms and similar words
- 演劇 (Engeki) - Theater, dramatic representation
- 演劇作品 (Engeki sakuhin) - Theatrical work
- 舞台 (Butai) - Stage
- 演戯 (Engi) - Acting, performance
- 芝居作品 (Shibai sakuhin) - Theater play (focus on performance)
- 演 (En) - Representation, act of performing
- 演技 (Engi) - Performance, ability to act
- 演出 (Ensū) - Stage direction
- 演劇芸術 (Engeki geijutsu) - Art of the theater
- 演劇界 (Engeki kai) - The world of theater
- 舞台芸術 (Butai geijutsu) - Stage art
- 舞台芸術作品 (Butai geijutsu sakuhin) - Stage artwork
- 演劇作家 (Engeki sakka) - Dramatic author
- 舞台芸術家 (Butai geijutsuka) - Theater artist
- 演劇演出 (Engeki ensū) - Theater direction
- 演劇団 (Engeki dan) - Theater company
- 演劇史 (Engeki shi) - History of theater
- 演劇的 (Engeki-teki) - Regarding the theater
- 演劇論 (Engeki ron) - Theory of theater
- 演劇的表現 (Engeki-teki hyōgen) - Theatrical expression
- 演劇的技法 (Engeki-teki gihō) - Theatrical techniques
- 演劇的要素 (Engeki-teki yōso) - Elements of theater
- 演劇的表現法 (Engeki-teki hyōgen-hō) - Theatrical expression methods
- 演劇的手法 (Engeki-teki shuhō) - Theatrical acting techniques
- 演劇的手 (Engeki-teki te) - Theatrical actions
Words related
Words with the same pronunciation: しばい shibai
How to Write in Japanese - (芝居) shibai
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese (芝居) shibai:
Example Sentences - (芝居) shibai
Below are some example sentences:
Shibai wo mi ni ikitai desu
I want to go see a play.
I want to go see the play.
- 芝居 (shibai) - It means "play" in Japanese.
- を (wo) - direct object particle in Japanese
- 見 (mi) - verb "to see" in Japanese
- に (ni) - target particle in Japanese
- 行きたい (ikitai) - conjugated form of the verb "to go" with the suffix "tai", which means "to want" in Japanese
- です (desu) - The verb "to be" in Japanese, used to indicate a formal or polite statement.
Other words of the same type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
