Japanese word

鑑賞

Pronunciation

Romajikanshō

Meaning

  • nounappreciation

Example

美術館で絵を鑑賞します。bi jutsu kan de e o kan shō shi ma su

I appreciate paintings at the museum.

Illustration for 鑑賞 (appreciation)

More examples

休日の音楽鑑賞は、よい気分転換になります。kyū jitsu no on gaku kan shō wa yo i ki bun ten kan ni na ri ma su

Listening to music on your days off is a good way to refresh yourself.

Core concept

Centers on attending to a creative work or performance and valuing its beauty, meaning, or skill.

Common phrases

  • 映画鑑賞ei ga kan shō

    film appreciation

  • 絵画の鑑賞kai ga no kan shō

    appreciation of paintings

  • 音楽の鑑賞on gaku no kan shō

    appreciation of music

Similar words

観賞kanshō: The act of enjoying the beauty of natural objects by looking at them.
観覧kanran: The act of viewing an exhibition or watching a performance without implying evaluation.
見物kenbutsu: The act of watching an event or visiting a place for personal interest.

Definition in Japanese

美術・音楽・演劇などを見聞きして、そのよさや価値を味わうこと。bi jutsu on gaku en geki na do o mi ki ki shi te so no yo sa ya ka chi o aji wa u ko to

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese noun 鑑賞 (kanshō, "appreciation") combines 鑑 (kan, "examine and judge") with 賞 (shō, "value and enjoy"), giving the sense of valuing a work through careful attention.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese, 鑑賞 (kanshō) commonly applies to art, music, films, and performances, while English appreciation can also mean recognizing a person's value or effort.

Other meanings

  • enjoymentnoun

Related words

  • 鑑賞者kanshōshaviewernoun
  • 鑑賞力kanshōryokuappreciation skillsnoun

Word lists with this word