劇

• Reading: げき
• Romaji: geki
• Kanji breakdown: 劇 (geki) — drama, play, intense
• Pronunciation: /ɡe.ki/

Meaning

Drama; play; theatrical performance. A story performed on stage.

A noun referring to theatrical performances and dramatic works. Appears in many common compounds: 劇場 (gekijou, theater), 演劇 (engeki, theatrical performance), 喜劇 (kigeki, comedy), 悲劇 (higeki, tragedy). Central to discussions about performing arts and entertainment.

Examples

1. 学校の文化祭で劇をすることになった。 We decided to put on a play at the school culture festival.
2. あの劇場では毎週新しい劇が上演される。 That theater puts on a new play every week.
3. 子供たちが楽しそうに劇の練習をしている。 The children are happily rehearsing for the play.

Usage Guide

Context: performing arts, school events, entertainment

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 劇 combines 豕 (pig/boar) elements with 刂 (knife). The original meaning related to intense or vigorous action, which evolved to describe the heightened emotions and actions depicted in theatrical performances.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal