出演する

• Reading: しゅつえんする
• Romaji: shutsuensuru
• Kanji breakdown: 出 (shutsu/de) — go out, emerge; 演 (en) — perform, act, play
• Pronunciation: /ɕɯ.tsɯ.eɴ.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To appear; to perform. To participate as a performer in a show, film, broadcast, or event.

A suru verb used specifically for appearing as a performer in media or on stage. Distinguished from 出る (to appear generally) by its focus on performance contexts — TV, film, theatre, concerts, and radio. The noun 出演 is used in compounds like 出演者 (performer/cast member) and 出演料 (appearance fee). Very common in entertainment news.

Examples

1. 彼女は来月のドラマに出演する予定だ。 She is scheduled to appear in a drama next month.
2. お笑い芸人がバラエティ番組に出演していた。 A comedian was performing on a variety show.
3. 初めて映画に出演したときは緊張した。 I was so nervous the first time I appeared in a movie.

Usage Guide

Context: entertainment, TV, film, theatre

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 出 (shutsu, go out/emerge) + 演 (en, perform/act) + する. Literally 'to go out and perform,' describing the act of appearing before an audience in a performance capacity.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal