Meaning and Usage
"映画" (えいが) means "movie" or "film" in Japanese. It is a common noun used to talk about movies in general, whether at a cinema or referring to films in conversation.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "映画" when discussing plans to watch movies, reviewing films, or talking about movie theaters (映画館). It is a neutral term suitable for everyday conversation.
Collocations and Patterns
- 映画を見る (えいがをみる): to watch a movie
- 映画館 (えいがかん): movie theater
- 新しい映画 (あたらしいえいが): new movie
- 映画が好き (えいががすき): like movies
Tips for Learners
"映画" is straightforward but learners sometimes confuse it with "ビデオ" (video) or "ドラマ" (drama/TV show). Remember "映画" specifically refers to movies or films, usually those shown in theaters or produced as cinematic works.