Movie in Japanese: Essential Vocabulary for Film Lovers

Are you a film buff learning Japanese? Or perhaps you’re planning to watch some Japanese cinema without subtitles? Understanding how to say movie in Japanese and mastering film-related vocabulary can transform your language skills and entertainment experience. Whether you’re discussing the latest blockbuster or describing your favorite scene, this guide will equip you with the essential terminology to talk about movies like a native speaker.

How to Say Movie in Japanese

The most common word for movie in Japanese is:

映画 (えいが / eiga)

This is the standard term used in everyday conversation when referring to films or cinema. It’s simple, direct, and universally understood throughout Japan.

Quick Answer: Movie in Japanese is 映画 (eiga).

But there’s more to discussing films than just knowing the basic word for movie. Let’s dive deeper into the rich vocabulary of Japanese cinema!

Essential Movie Vocabulary in Japanese

When talking about a movie in Japanese contexts, you’ll need these fundamental terms:

Common Phrases About Movies in Japanese

Here are some practical phrases to discuss a movie in Japanese conversations:

Asking About Movies

映画を見に行きませんか？
Eiga o mi ni ikimasen ka?
Would you like to go see a movie?

どんな映画が好きですか？
Donna eiga ga suki desu ka?
What kind of movies do you like?

この映画を見たことがありますか？
Kono eiga o mita koto ga arimasu ka?
Have you seen this movie before?

Expressing Opinions About Movies

この映画はとても面白かったです。
Kono eiga wa totemo omoshirokatta desu.
This movie was very interesting/entertaining.

彼は私の好きな俳優です。
Kare wa watashi no sukina haiyū desu.
He is my favorite actor.

映画のエンディングは感動的でした。
Eiga no endingu wa kandōteki deshita.
The movie's ending was moving.

Movie Genres in Japanese

When discussing a movie in Japanese, you’ll often need to specify the genre. Here are the major film categories:

• アクション映画 (akushon eiga) – Action movie
• ホラー映画 (horā eiga) – Horror movie
• コメディ映画 (komedī eiga) – Comedy movie
• ロマンス映画 (romansu eiga) – Romance movie
• SF映画 (esu efu eiga) – Science fiction movie
• アニメ映画 (anime eiga) – Animated movie
• ドキュメンタリー (dokyumentarī) – Documentary

Going to the Movies in Japan

The experience of watching a movie in Japanese theaters has some unique aspects compared to Western countries. Here’s what to expect:

Movie Theater Etiquette in Japan

1. Perfect silence is expected – Japanese audiences are typically very quiet during films
2. No food odors – Strong-smelling foods are discouraged
3. Stay until the end – Many Japanese viewers remain seated through the entire credits
4. Reserved seating – Most theaters use assigned seating systems
5. Different showtimes – Movies often start earlier in Japan, with the last showing around 9 PM

How to Buy Movie Tickets in Japanese

When purchasing tickets for a movie in Japanese theaters, you might use these phrases:

２枚チケットをください。
Ni-mai chiketto o kudasai.
Two tickets, please.

何時からの映画ですか？
Nanji kara no eiga desu ka?
What time does the movie start?

Popular Ways to Watch Movies in Japan

Beyond theaters, there are several ways the Japanese enjoy watching movies:

Streaming Services for Movies in Japanese

• Netflix Japan (ネットフリックス)
• Amazon Prime Video (アマゾンプライムビデオ)
• Hulu Japan (フールージャパン)
• U-NEXT (ユーネクスト) – A popular Japanese streaming platform
• dTV (ディーティービー) – Offered by Japanese telecom company Docomo

Traditional Rental Options

While declining, DVD rental stores like TSUTAYA (ツタヤ) still exist in Japan, offering both foreign films and Japanese productions.

Japanese Movies You Should Watch

To truly understand movie in Japanese culture, consider watching these influential Japanese films:

1. 七人の侍 (Shichinin no Samurai) – Seven Samurai by Akira Kurosawa
2. 千と千尋の神隠し (Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi) – Spirited Away by Hayao Miyazaki
3. 花よりも花の如く (Hana yori mo Hana no Gotoku) – Like Flowers, Like Blossoms – A contemporary drama
4. 告白 (Kokuhaku) – Confessions – A psychological thriller
5. 君の名は (Kimi no Na wa) – Your Name by Makoto Shinkai

Verbs Related to Movies in Japanese

When talking about activities related to a movie in Japanese, these verbs will come in handy:

• 見る (miru) – to watch
• 楽しむ (tanoshimu) – to enjoy
• 製作する (seisaku suru) – to produce
• 演じる (enjiru) – to act/perform
• 監督する (kantoku suru) – to direct

As we explored in our article about the Japanese future tense, these verbs can be conjugated to discuss movies you plan to watch or create in the future.

Cultural Notes on Japanese Cinema

The concept of movie in Japanese culture extends beyond mere entertainment. Films often reflect important cultural values and historical contexts. Japanese directors frequently incorporate themes related to:

• Nature and the changing seasons
• Family relationships and social obligations
• The contrast between tradition and modernity
• The aftermath of historical events like WWII
• The supernatural and spiritual beliefs

If you’re interested in exploring these cultural themes further, our article on Japanese introductions offers additional insights into how Japanese social customs appear in film.

Tips for Learning Japanese Through Movies

Watching films is a fantastic way to improve your understanding of movie in Japanese vocabulary and general language skills:

1. Start with subtitles in your native language, then progress to Japanese subtitles
2. Focus on common phrases rather than trying to understand everything
3. Rewatch favorite scenes multiple times to catch nuances
4. Write down new vocabulary you encounter in films
5. Imitate the intonation of native speakers

For more language learning strategies, check out our comprehensive guide on counting in Japanese, which uses similar memory techniques.

Q&A About Movies in Japanese

How do you say “I want to watch a movie” in Japanese?

映画を見たいです (Eiga o mitai desu) means “I want to watch a movie” in Japanese.

What’s the difference between 映画 (eiga) and 映像 (eizō)?

映画 (eiga) specifically means “movie” or “film,” while 映像 (eizō) refers to “video” or “footage” in a broader sense.

How do Japanese people rate movies?

Instead of a star system, Japanese reviewers often use a point system out of 100, or the phrase 満点 (manten) meaning “perfect score.”

Are foreign movies dubbed or subtitled in Japan?

Most foreign films in Japan are shown with Japanese subtitles (字幕 – jimaku), though children’s movies are typically dubbed (吹き替え – fukikae).

What does ロードショー (rōdoshō) mean in Japanese movie advertisements?

ロードショー (road show) refers to a film’s first run or theatrical release in Japan.

Conclusion

Mastering movie in Japanese vocabulary opens up a whole new world of entertainment and cultural understanding. From being able to navigate a Japanese cinema to discussing film preferences with native speakers, these skills enhance both your language abilities and your appreciation of Japanese cinema.

The rich tradition of filmmaking in Japan provides an excellent resource for language learners. By combining your passion for movies with language study, you’ll make faster progress while enjoying yourself along the way.

Ready to expand your Japanese language skills beyond movie vocabulary? Visit our Learn Japanese page for free guides and comprehensive resources designed to accelerate your language journey.

Whether you’re a casual learner or serious about achieving fluency, understanding how to discuss a movie in Japanese is an enjoyable and practical stepping stone toward your language goals. So grab some popcorn, fire up a Japanese film, and start learning!