オペラ

• Reading: オペラ
• Romaji: opera
• Pronunciation: /o.pe.ɾa/

Meaning

Opera; a dramatic art form combining singing, orchestral music, and theatrical performance.

A katakana loanword from Italian. Refers to the Western classical music genre. Japan has a thriving opera scene, and the word is widely recognized. Often appears with related terms like オペラ歌手 (opera singer) and オペラハウス (opera house).

Examples

1. 週末に友人とオペラを観に行く予定だ。 I'm planning to go see an opera with a friend this weekend.
2. 彼女は子供の頃からオペラ歌手になるのが夢だった。 Her dream since childhood was to become an opera singer.
3. 新国立劇場で上演されたオペラは素晴らしかった。 The opera performed at the New National theater was wonderful.

Usage Guide

Context: music, performing arts, culture

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Italian 'opera,' meaning 'work' (from Latin 'opus'). Entered Japanese during the Meiji era as Western cultural forms were introduced to Japan.

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal