Meaning and Usage
The word "台本" (だいほん) refers to a script or libretto used in plays, movies, TV shows, or other performances. It contains the dialogue and stage directions that actors and production staff follow.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "台本" in contexts related to theater, film, and television. Actors study the 台本 to memorize their lines, and directors use it to plan scenes.
Collocations and Patterns
- 台本を読む (read the script): Common when actors prepare for their roles.
- 台本通り (according to the script): Used to describe actions or speech that strictly follow the script.
- 台本を書く (write a script): Refers to the act of creating the script.
Register and Nuance
"台本" is a neutral term used in both formal and informal contexts related to performance arts. It is not used for casual conversation scripts but specifically for performance or production scripts.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "台本" with "脚本" (きゃくほん), which also means script. While they are often interchangeable, "台本" is more commonly used in theater and performance contexts, whereas "脚本" can be broader, including screenplays and written scripts for various media.