Japanese word

開演

Pronunciation

Romajikaien

Meaning

  • nounstart

Example

劇は七時に開演します。geki wa nana ji ni kai en shi ma su

The play starts at seven.

Illustration for 開演 (start)

More examples

開演が近づくと、客席が静かになります。kai en ga chika zu ku to kyaku seki ga shizu ka ni na ri ma su

As the start of the show approaches, the audience becomes quiet.

Core concept

Marks the moment when a scheduled stage performance begins before an audience.

Common phrases

  • 開演前kai en mae

    before the show starts

  • 開演中kai en chū

    during the performance

  • 開演時間kai en ji kan

    show start time

  • 開演後kai en ato

    after the show starts

  • 開演直前kai en choku zen

    just before the show starts

Similar words

開始kaishi: The beginning of a planned activity, event, or process.
開幕kaimaku: The formal beginning of a performance, event, or season.
幕開けmakuake: The beginning of a performance or event, often viewed as a notable starting point.

Definition in Japanese

演劇や演奏会などの上演が始まること。en geki ya en sō kai na do no jō en ga haji ma ru ko to

Word origin

It is a compound of 開 (kai, "open") and 演 (en, "perform"), with 開 marking the opening of a performance.

Usage tips

  • In event listings, 開演時間 (kaien jikan) means the scheduled time when a performance begins, which can differ from the time the doors open.

Opposites

  • 終演shūenend of a performancenoun

Word lists with this word