Translation guide
The English word 'rehearsal' refers to practicing a performance or event before the real thing. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is リハーサル (often shortened to リハ), but there are also native terms like 稽古 (for traditional arts) and 練習 (general practice). The choice depends on context: performing arts, formal events, or casual practice.
The most common meaning: a session where people practice a play, concert, ceremony, etc., before the actual performance.
The standard loanword for 'rehearsal' in most contexts: theater, music, dance, TV, events. Often shortened to リハ in casual speech.
明日はリハーサルがあります。
We have a rehearsal tomorrow.
リハーサルは午後3時からです。
The rehearsal is from 3 p.m.
Casual abbreviation of リハーサル, very common in everyday conversation, especially in entertainment and event planning.
リハ、何時からだっけ？
What time is the rehearsal again?
Used for practice in traditional Japanese arts (Noh, Kabuki, tea ceremony, martial arts) and sometimes for classical music or dance. Implies disciplined, repeated training under a teacher.
日本舞踊の稽古に行ってきます。
I'm off to my Japanese dance rehearsal.
General word for 'practice'. Can be used for rehearsal, but it's broader and less specific. Use リハーサル for a scheduled run-through of a performance.
While 練習 can mean rehearsal, it's more like 'practice' in general. For a formal dress rehearsal, リハーサル or 稽古 is better.
バンドの練習は毎週土曜日です。
Band practice is every Saturday.
Specifically the final practice with costumes, lighting, etc., just before the actual performance.
Short for ゲネラルプローベ (Generalprobe), meaning 'dress rehearsal' in theater, opera, and ballet. Very common in performing arts circles.
明日はゲネプロです。
Tomorrow is the dress rehearsal.
A run-through rehearsal without stopping, often used in traditional arts or theater. Literally 'continuous practice'.
Literally 'final rehearsal'. Can be used in any context, but ゲネプロ is more idiomatic for dress rehearsal.
最終リハーサルは明日です。
The final rehearsal is tomorrow.
Practicing a wedding, graduation, or other formal ceremony.
Also used for wedding rehearsals and other formal events. Often combined with 結婚式 (wedding) etc.
結婚式のリハーサルを行います。
We will hold the wedding rehearsal.
リハーサル is the default for modern performances (bands, plays, TV). 稽古 is for traditional arts and implies a master-student relationship. 練習 is general practice, not necessarily a scheduled run-through.
ピアノの練習は毎日するが、リハーサルは週に一度だ。
I practice piano every day, but rehearsal is once a week.
If you say 練習 when you mean a formal rehearsal, it might sound like you're just practicing, not running through the actual performance. Use リハーサル or 稽古 for clarity.
今日は通し稽古をします。
Today we'll do a run-through rehearsal.
Formal term for a rehearsal or dry run, often used for military exercises, disaster drills, or large-scale ceremonies. Sounds stiff in casual contexts.
卒業式の予行演習が行われた。
A rehearsal for the graduation ceremony was held.