Japanese word

本番

Pronunciation

Romajihonban

Meaning

  • nounperformance

Example

明日は本番です。asu wa hon ban de su

The performance is tomorrow.

Illustration for 本番 (performance)

More examples

練習ではうまくできましたが、本番では緊張しました。ren shū de wa u ma ku de ki ma shi ta ga hon ban de wa kin chō shi ma shi ta

I did well in practice, but I got nervous during the real performance.

Core concept

Signals the first real execution of a planned activity after its practice or preparation has ended.

Common phrases

  • 本番前hon ban mae

    before the real performance

  • 本番に備えるhon ban ni sona e ru

    prepare for the real performance

  • 本番に臨むhon ban ni nozo mu

    take on the real challenge

  • 本番に強いhon ban ni tsuyo i

    perform well under pressure

Similar words

本試験honshiken: The main examination taken after practice tests or preparation.
実戦jissen: A real situation in which skills are used against an actual challenge rather than in practice.

Definition in Japanese

予行演習ではなく、実際の演技・試合・仕事などが行われる場。yo kō en shū de wa na ku jis sai no en gi shi ai shi goto na do ga okona wa re ru ba

Word origin

本番 (honban) is formed from 本 (hon, "main") and 番 (ban, "turn or duty"), referring to the actual event that follows preparation.

Usage tips

  • In conversation, 本番 (honban) can refer to an exam, interview, recording, or competition, not only a stage performance.

Other meanings

  • real thingnoun
  • takenoun

Word lists with this word