舞台裏
butaiura[bɯ̟ta̠iɯ̟ɾa̠]
The English phrase "behind the scenes" is translated into Japanese as 舞台裏 (butaiura).
舞台裏 means in secret or out of public view. While it can be used to refer to the literal backstage area of a theater, it is frequently used metaphorically to describe the hidden workings of an organization, a project or a political situation. For informal contexts regarding behind-the-scenes information or facts that are not publicly known, you might encounter the term 裏情報.
Meaning: in secret, out of public view (prep_phrase)
How do you pronounce it?
butaiura
Did you know?
- The character 裏 (ura) is used in many different contexts to indicate something is 'unofficial', such as in the term 裏メニュー (uramenyū), which refers to a 'secret menu' available only to certain customers.
- In modern Japanese internet slang, the term 裏垢 (ura-aka), a shortened version of 'back account', refers to a secret social media profile used to post things one cannot share on a main account.
- The word 裏 has a direct opposite, 表, which refers to the 'front' or 'public face', reflecting the Japanese social distinction between honne (true feelings) and tatemae (public facade).
Examples in context
- 彼女は裏方で働き、この映画の成功に貢献しました。She worked behind the scenes and contributed to the success of this film.
- 演劇の裏舞台での努力が、彼女の成長に繋がりました。The efforts behind the scenes in the theater led to her growth.
- 彼は裏情報を手に入れたようだ。It seems like he obtained some behind-the-scenes information.
- 裏側の事情を理解することが重要です。Understanding the circumstances behind the scenes is crucial.
- 舞台裏での努力が大切です。butaiura de no doryoku ga taisetsu desu.Effort behind the scenes is important.
- 彼は舞台裏で準備を進めている。kare wa butaiura de junbi o susumete iru.He is making preparations behind the scenes.
- 舞台裏では、とても慌ただしい。butaiura de wa, totemo awatadashii.Behind the scenes, it is very hectic.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a theater production.
- 結衣 Yui舞台裏の様子は見られないの？butaiura no yousu wa mirarenai no?Can we not see what's happening behind the scenes?
- 陽太 Yota結衣さん、そこは秘密だよ。Yui-san, soko wa himitsu da yo.Yui, that is a secret.
- 結衣 Yui陽太くん、ちょっと気になるな。Youta-kun, chotto kininaru na.Youta, I'm a little curious.
- 陽太 Yota舞台裏は知らない方がいいよ。butaiura wa shiranai hou ga ii yo.It's better not to know what's behind the scenes.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “behind the scenes” translations and entries 舞台裏, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
