Meaning and Usage
"ステージ" primarily means "stage" as in a physical platform for performances like concerts or plays. It is commonly used in entertainment contexts to refer to where artists perform.
It also refers to a "stage" or "phase" in a process or development, such as a project stage or a stage in life. This figurative use is common in business and everyday conversation.
Common Collocations
- ステージに立つ: to stand on stage, often used when performers begin their performance.
- ステージを進める: to advance a stage, used in projects or processes.
- ステージイベント: stage event, referring to events held on a stage.
Register and Nuance
"ステージ" is a loanword from English and is neutral in formality, suitable for casual and formal contexts. It is more common in spoken and written Japanese than the native word "舞台" when referring to performance stages.
Learner Tips
Be careful not to confuse "ステージ" with "段階" (だんかい), which also means "stage" or "phase" but is more abstract and often used in technical or academic contexts. "ステージ" tends to be used more in everyday and entertainment-related contexts.