performance, act, play, render, stage
演 centers on carrying out a planned display for an audience: performing, acting, staging a play, or rendering a role. The idea of deliberate presentation connects all the given meanings.
演 combines 氵 (water) with 寅, which likely contributes the sound. The water component may relate to the idea of flowing or extending, as in a performance that unfolds.
Water 氵 flows and spreads, and the right side 寅 looks like a stage with a roof and seats. Picture a performance flowing out across a stage.
For エン, imagine an entertainer on stage: the first syllable 'en' of 'entertainer' cues エン while the performer acts.
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appearance (in a film, play, TV show, etc.); performance
public performance
musical performance
direction (of a play, film, etc.); production
starring (in a film, play, etc.); playing the leading part
acting; performance
to act (a part); to play (a role)
lecture; address; speech
appearing together (in a film, play, etc.); performing together (at a concert, etc.); acting together; co-starring; playing together (in a sports match)
to act (a part); to play (a role)
speech; address
drama; theatre; theater; play
practice; exercise; drill
performance (of a play, opera, etc.); staging; presentation
operation; calculation
enka; traditional-style Japanese popular ballad
curtain raising; starting (e.g. play, concert)
demonstration; presentation
first performance; premiere
program (musical, concert, theatrical, etc.); programme
another showing (of a play)
contest (between performers); competitive performance
dance performance
supporting performance; playing a supporting role
entertainment; performance
solo; solo performance
rostrum; platform
appearing as a regular (on a variety TV show)
director (of a film, play, etc.)
concert; recital
acting ability; talent as a performer
lecture (esp. special engagement by noted speaker); lecture meeting (event with one or more lectures)