Translation guide
How to express 'the scene' in Japanese, covering location, social setting, public display, and more.
Referring to the physical place where something happened or is happening.
The actual spot where an event, accident, or crime occurred. Commonly used in news and daily conversation.
警察が現場に到着した。
The police arrived at the scene.
事故の現場を見ましたか？
Did you see the scene of the accident?
General word for 'place' or 'location'. Use when 'scene' simply means a place.
事件のあった場所を教えてください。
Please tell me the scene of the incident.
Loanword from English, often used for a scene in a movie, play, or dramatic event.
あの映画のラストシーンは感動的だった。
The final scene of that movie was moving.
Referring to a particular area of activity, interest, or social group.
Suffix meaning 'world' or 'circle', used for a specific social or professional scene. E.g., 音楽界 (music scene), 政界 (political scene).
彼は音楽界で有名だ。
He is famous in the music scene.
Also used for a social scene, like 'the club scene' or 'the art scene'.
Means 'world', can be used for a distinct social or professional realm.
An embarrassing or dramatic public outburst or argument.
To make a scene by behaving disgracefully in public. Literally 'to expose an unsightly figure'.
彼女はレストランで醜態をさらした。
She made a scene at the restaurant.
To make a big fuss or commotion, often used for 'making a scene'.
彼は店の中で大騒ぎした。
He made a scene in the store.
To cause a disturbance or scene. More literal.
酔っ払いがバーで騒ぎを起こした。
A drunk caused a scene at the bar.
What you see in front of you, often a striking or memorable sight.
A scene or spectacle, often used for something impressive or memorable.
そこには美しい光景が広がっていた。
A beautiful scene spread out before us.
Scenery or landscape, more about natural views.
現場 (げんば) specifically refers to the actual site of an event, often with a sense of 'on-site'. 場所 (ばしょ) is a general word for place. Use 現場 for crime/accident scenes, 場所 for neutral locations.
English 'make a scene' is an idiom. Translating it word-for-word into Japanese (e.g., シーンを作る) is unnatural. Use phrases like 醜態をさらす or 大騒ぎする instead.
Tokyo's art scene is vibrant.
He grew up in the theater scene.
The scene from the window is wonderful.