Translation guide
A group of performers, especially actors, dancers, or singers who work together. In Japanese, the most common and natural word is 劇団 (gekidan) for theater troupes. For other performing arts, different terms apply.
A group of actors and stage crew who perform plays together.
The standard word for a theater troupe or theatrical company. Used for groups that perform plays, musicals, etc.
彼女は有名な劇団に所属しています。
She belongs to a famous theater troupe.
その劇団は来月新しい公演を始める。
The troupe will start a new performance next month.
A troupe, often used for traditional performing arts like kabuki or for a specific company of performers. Can imply a more traditional or established group.
歌舞伎の一座が地方公演を行った。
A kabuki troupe went on a regional tour.
Refers to a member of a theater troupe, not the troupe itself. Useful when specifying individuals.
彼は劇団員として10年間活動している。
He has been active as a troupe member for 10 years.
A group of dancers who perform together.
Commonly used for modern or contemporary dance troupes. Borrowed from English 'dance company'.
そのダンスカンパニーは海外でも公演している。
The dance troupe performs overseas as well.
A more formal term for a dance troupe, often used for traditional Japanese dance or ballet.
その舞踊団は伝統的な日本舞踊を披露した。
The dance troupe performed traditional Japanese dance.
Specifically a ballet troupe or ballet company.
彼女は有名なバレエ団のプリマだ。
She is the prima ballerina of a famous ballet troupe.
A group of performers in a circus, acrobatics, or variety show.
Standard term for a circus troupe.
サーカス団が町にやってきた。
A circus troupe came to town.
A troupe specializing in acrobatics or stunt performances.
中国の曲芸団が素晴らしい演技を見せた。
The Chinese acrobatic troupe gave an amazing performance.
A troupe that moves from place to place to perform.
A traveling troupe, often used for traditional theater or entertainment groups that tour.
旅一座が村々を回って公演した。
The traveling troupe went from village to village performing.
Similar to 旅一座, emphasizing the touring aspect. 巡業 means 'tour' or 'circuit'.
その巡業一座は全国を回っている。
The touring troupe is traveling all over the country.
The English word 'troupe' is often translated directly as トループ (torūpu) in Japanese, but this is not commonly used and may sound unnatural. Stick to the specific terms like 劇団 or ダンスカンパニー depending on the context.
Many performance troupes are named with the suffix 団 (dan), meaning 'group' or 'corps'. For example, 劇団 (theater group), 楽団 (music group/band), 合唱団 (choir). This is a productive pattern.