Curtain call
Meaning: The final bow by performers at the end of a show, or figuratively, someone's last appearance or farewell.
In theater, the curtain call is when the cast takes their final bows as the audience applauds. Figuratively, a 'curtain call' is someone's last hurrah or final appearance — a retiring athlete's last game, a musician's farewell tour, or any dramatic finale.
Examples
- The curtain call lasted ten minutes — the audience wouldn't stop clapping. 谢幕持续了十分钟——观众的掌声就是停不下来。La salida a saludar duró diez minutos — el público no dejaba de aplaudir.カーテンコールは10分続いた——観客が拍手をやめなかった。커튼콜이 10분간 이어졌다 — 관객들이 박수를 멈추지 않았다.
- This tour is his curtain call — he's retiring after this. 这次巡演是他的谢幕演出——结束后他就退休了。Esta gira es su despedida — se retira después de esto.このツアーが彼のカーテンコールだ——これが終わったら引退する。이번 투어가 그의 커튼콜이다 — 이걸로 은퇴한다.
- She took her curtain call and walked off stage for the last time. 她完成了最后的谢幕,最后一次走下了舞台。Hizo su última reverencia y abandonó el escenario por última vez.彼女はカーテンコールを受けて、最後にステージを去った。그녀는 커튼콜을 받고 마지막으로 무대를 떠났다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: theater, retirement, farewell events
Tone: bittersweet, respectful
✓ Do Say
- This is his curtain call.这是他的告别演出。Esta es su despedida.これが彼のカーテンコールだよ。이것이 그의 커튼콜이다.
- The curtain call was emotional.谢幕时刻很感人。La salida a saludar fue emotiva.カーテンコールは感動的だった。커튼콜은 감동적이었다.
✗ Don't Say
- Don't use for someone who is coming back — curtain call implies finality不要用于还会回来的人——curtain call暗示的是终结和告别No lo uses para alguien que va a volver — curtain call implica que es definitivo戻ってくる人には使わないこと——curtain callは最終性を暗示する다시 돌아올 사람에게는 쓰지 말 것 — 커튼콜은 최종적인 마무리를 의미한다
Origin & History
From theater, where performers are 'called' back on stage after the curtain falls for a final bow. The figurative meaning emerged in the 20th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Theater tradition
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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