上演

じょうえん

art performance

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word "上演" (じょうえん) specifically refers to the act of staging or performing a play, movie, or other theatrical performance. It is commonly used in formal or artistic contexts such as theater, cinema, or traditional performances.

Common Contexts

"上演" is often used when talking about plays (芝居), movies (映画), or performances by theater troupes (劇団). It emphasizes the event of presenting the work to an audience.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 上演する: to perform or stage a play or movie.
  • 上演時間: screening or performance duration.
  • 上演中: currently being performed or screened.

Register and Nuance

This term is formal and typically used in announcements, reviews, or descriptions related to the performing arts. It is less common in casual conversation where simpler words like "見る" (to watch) might be used.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse "上演" with "上映" (じょうえい), which specifically refers to the screening of movies. While "上演" can be used for plays and movies, "上映" is used only for films. Remember: 上演 = stage performance; 上映 = movie screening.

Example Sentences

げきじょうであたらしいしばいがじょうえんされる。

A new play is being performed at the theater.

えいがのじょうえんじかんはやくにじかんです。

The screening time of the movie is about two hours.

このげきだんはまいとしなつにこてんげきをじょうえんしている。

This theater troupe performs classical plays every summer.