観客

• Reading: かんきゃく
• Romaji: kankyaku
• Kanji breakdown: 観 (kan) — to watch, to view; 客 (kyaku) — guest, visitor
• Pronunciation: /ka.n.kʲa.kɯ/

Meaning

Audience; spectator(s). People who watch a performance, game, or event.

A noun referring to people gathered to watch something, whether a sporting event, concert, play, or other public spectacle. Different from 聴衆 (listeners at a lecture) or 視聴者 (TV/radio viewers). Often used with counters like 人 and in expressions like 観客席 (spectator seating) or 満員の観客 (a full audience).

Examples

1. 観客が大きな拍手を送った。 The audience gave a big round of applause.
2. スタジアムには五万人の観客がいた。 There were fifty thousand spectators in the stadium.
3. 観客席から歓声が上がった。 Cheers erupted from the stands.

Usage Guide

Context: sports, entertainment, events

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 観 (to watch, to view) and 客 (guest, visitor). Together they describe guests who come to view something — the watching visitors at an event.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal