公演

こうえん

public performance

JLPT N3

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"公演" (こうえん) refers specifically to a public performance such as a concert, play, or other staged event open to an audience. It is commonly used for organized events in theaters, halls, or outdoor venues.

Common Contexts

You will often hear "公演" in announcements about cultural events, theater productions, music concerts, and festivals. It implies a formal or semi-formal event rather than casual or private gatherings.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 公演を行う: to hold a performance
  • 公演チケット: tickets for a public performance
  • 野外公演: outdoor performance
  • 公演時間: performance time

Register and Nuance

"公演" is a neutral, polite term suitable for formal announcements and written materials. It is not casual slang and is appropriate in both spoken and written Japanese.

Learner Tips

Do not confuse "公演" with "公園" (こうえん), which means "park." They are homophones but have completely different meanings. Pay attention to context and kanji to avoid mistakes.

Example Sentences

らいしゅうのどようびにしみんホールでこうえんがあります。

There will be a public performance at the civic hall next Saturday.

このげきだんはまいとしなつにやがいでこうえんをおこないます。

This theater troupe holds outdoor performances every summer.

こうえんのチケットははつばいかいしからすぐにうりきれた。

The tickets for the performance sold out immediately after sales started.