Meaning
The kanji 演 (えん) primarily means 'perform,' 'act,' 'play,' 'show,' and 'exhibit.' You'll often see it in contexts like drama, music, and speeches, as well as various public displays or demonstrations. Essentially, 演 signifies presenting something – be it a role, a piece of music, an idea, or a skill – to an audience or for public view.
Its etymological origin provides insight into this meaning. The kanji 演 is a phono-semantic compound. The left-hand radical, 氵 (さんずい), represents 'water' or 'fluidity.' The right-hand component, 寅 (いん), acts as the phonetic element. Originally, 寅 meant 'stretch' or 'extend,' implying dynamic, vigorous movement or an extended period of activity. Together, 'water's fluidity' and 'stretching/extending movement' bring to mind a flowing, dynamic display or performance. Think of water extending or flowing out, much like a performance unfolds and extends in time and space, or a speaker projects their voice and ideas. The evolution of its meaning from fluid motion to 'performance' highlights the dynamic and expressive nature of acting or exhibiting something.
The kanji 演 has 14 strokes and is a Joyo Kanji. This means it's one of the commonly used characters, typically taught in the 6th grade of elementary school in Japan. Despite this, its JLPT N2 classification highlights its frequent appearance in intermediate Japanese vocabulary.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary On'yomi (Chinese-derived reading) for 演 is エン (en). It's the most common reading, appearing in nearly all compound words with this kanji. This pronunciation reflects its Chinese origin.
- 講演 (kōen) — This compound means 'lecture' or 'speech.' It combines 講 (lecture, talk) with 演 (perform, present), signifying the act of presenting a talk to an audience.
Example: 公開講演 (kōkai kōen) — public lecture
Example: 講演会 (kōenkai) — lecture meeting
- 演技 (engi) — Meaning 'acting' or 'performance,' particularly in a theatrical sense. It combines 演 (perform) with 技 (technique, skill), highlighting the skillful execution of a role.
Example: 演技力 (engiryoku) — acting ability
Example: 名演技 (mei engi) — brilliant acting
- 演奏 (ensō) — This refers to a 'musical performance.' It pairs 演 (perform) with 奏 (play music, perform), specifically for musical instruments.
Example: ピアノ演奏 (piano ensō) — piano performance
Example: 演奏会 (ensōkai) — concert
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The kanji 演 itself does not have a standalone native Japanese reading (Kun'yomi) in common usage. However, it forms part of the verb 演じる (えんじる), which means 'to perform,' 'to play (a role),' or 'to act.' While not a direct Kun'yomi for the kanji itself, it's the most common native verb associated with its meaning and is crucial to learn. This verb often describes someone taking on and performing a specific role.
- 役を演じる (yaku wo enjiru) — To play a role.
Example: 彼は主役をじた (kare wa shuyaku wo enjita) — He played the lead role.
- 芝居を演じる (shibai wo enjiru) — To perform a play.
Example: 彼女たちは高校でをじた (kanojo-tachi wa kōkō de shibai wo enjita) — They performed a play in high school.
- 物語を演じる (monogatari wo enjiru) — To tell a story dramatically, to act out a story.
Example: 子供たちはをじて楽しんだ (kodomo-tachi wa monogatari wo enjite tanoshinda) — The children enjoyed acting out the story.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 演 is quite versatile, appearing in many compound words. This reflects its broad use in contexts of performance, display, and presentation. These compounds can be grouped by related themes.
Performance & Arts
- 演劇 (engeki) — drama, play, theater. This refers to the general art form of theatrical performance.
- 演出 (enshutsu) — production, direction (of a play, film, etc.), staging. This term denotes the creative work involved in bringing a performance to life.
- 主演 (shuen) — starring role, lead performance. Used for the main actor or performer in a production.
- 共演 (kyōen) — co-starring, joint performance. Refers to multiple individuals performing together.
- 上演 (jōen) — stage performance, showing (of a film), production. This term specifically refers to the act of putting a play or film on stage or screen.
- 熱演 (netsuen) — impassioned performance, enthusiastic performance. Describes a performance delivered with great fervor and intensity.
Actions & Expressions
- 演説 (enzetsu) — speech, address. Similar to 講演, but often implies a more formal or political address.
- 演習 (enshū) — practice, exercise, maneuver (military). This refers to a practical training session or a drill, often simulating real-world scenarios.
- 演武 (enbu) — martial arts demonstration. A display of martial arts techniques.
- 実演 (jitsuen) — demonstration, live performance. Often used for product demonstrations or live artistic displays.
- 演繹 (en'eki) — deduction, deduction (logic). This is a more academic term, referring to the process of drawing conclusions from general principles.
Example Sentences
彼は舞台で熱演した。
Kare wa butai de netsuen shita.
He gave an impassioned performance on stage.
講演会に参加しました。
Kōenkai ni sanka shimashita.
I participated in the lecture meeting.
彼女は難しい役を見事に演じきった。
Kanojo wa muzukashii yaku wo migoto ni enjikitta.
She brilliantly performed a difficult role.
学生たちは演劇の準備で忙しい。
Gakusei-tachi wa engeki no junbi de isogashii.
The students are busy preparing for the play.
明日は中学校で演奏会が開かれる予定です。
Ashita wa chūgakkō de ensōkai ga hirakareru yotei desu.
A concert is scheduled to be held at the junior high school tomorrow.
監督の演出により、そのシーンはさらに感動的になった。
Kantoku no enshutsu ni yori, sono shīn wa sara ni kandōteki ni natta.
Thanks to the director's staging, that scene became even more moving.
彼は今回の映画で主演を務めている。
Kare wa konkai no eiga de shuen wo tsutomete iru.
He is playing the lead role in this movie.
首相が国会で重要な演説を行った。
Shushō ga kokkai de jūyō na enzetsu wo okonatta.
The Prime Minister delivered an important speech in the Diet.
新製品の実演販売が百貨店で開催された。
Shinseihin no jitsuenhanbai ga hyakkaten de kaisai sareta.
A live demonstration sale of new products was held at the department store.
彼らの演技力は観客を魅了した。
Karera no engiryoku wa kankyaku wo miryō shita.
Their acting ability captivated the audience.
Memory Tip
To remember 演, consider its components: the 'water' radical (氵) on the left and 寅 (tiger) on the right. Imagine a graceful water ballet or a martial arts demonstration (like a tiger's fluid movements) where the performance is flowing and dynamic. The 'water' radical suggests the fluidity and unfolding nature of a performance, while the 'tiger' element (寅) implies a powerful, expressive, and extended display. Together, they evoke the image of something being 'performed' or 'acted out' with skilled, lively motion, much like a captivating show. This visual story helps connect the kanji's structure to its meaning of 'perform' or 'act.'