劇的
gekiteki[ɡe̞kʲite̞kʲi]
The English word "dramatic" is translated into Japanese as 劇的 (gekiteki). Wiktionary also lists ドラマティック (doramatikku).
Meaning: striking in appearance or effect (adj)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 劇的 | gekiteki | [ɡe̞kʲite̞kʲi] (narrow) |
| ドラマティック | doramatikku | [do̞ɾa̠ma̠tʲik̚kɯ̟] (narrow) |
The term 劇的 (げきてき) is used to describe something that is dramatic, sensational or intense.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 劇的 is composed of 劇 (play/drama) and 的 (suffix meaning '-like' or '-ic').
Which one should you use?
The katakana version ドラマティック is a loanword often used in more artistic, stylistic or casual contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use the word as an adverb (dramatically), add the suffix に to 劇的. When using 劇的 as a na-adjective to modify a noun directly, you must add な between the word and the noun.
How do you pronounce it?
gekiteki
Did you know?
- In Japanese pop culture and anime, a 'dramatic' pause is often referred to as タメ (tame), which describes the intentional delay of an action to make the eventual payoff more impactful.
- Unlike the English 'dramatic', which can describe a person's personality (being 'a drama queen'), 劇的 is almost never used to describe a person's temperament.
- While 劇的 describes a striking change, Japanese has a specific word ドラマチック that describes a 'dramatic' life story or romantic plot, moving beyond just 'striking' to imply a cinematic quality.
Examples in context
- 医学は劇的な進歩を遂げた。Medical science has made a dramatic advance.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe a dramatic advance in medical science using 劇的.Tatoeba #190957 by small_snow, translation #28117 by AlanF_US
- 今世紀の終わりまでには、地球の気温は劇的に上昇しているだろう。By the end of the century, the earth will have experienced a dramatic increase in temperature.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe a dramatic increase in temperature using 劇的.Tatoeba #172330 by tommy__san, translation #242145 by CN
- その映画は劇的なラストシーンが印象的だった。The movie had an impressive dramatic final scene.
- 彼女の演技は本当にドラマチックで、感動した。Her performance was really dramatic and moving.
- 彼との喧嘩は激しくて、ドラマチックだ！The fight with him was intense and dramatic!
- 劇的な変化が見られる。Gekiteki na henka ga mirareru.A dramatic change can be seen.
Example conversation
Yui and Ren are looking at a renovated old house.
- 結衣 Yui劇的なリフォームですね。Gekiteki na rifōmu desu ne.It is a dramatic renovation, isn't it?
- 蓮 Ren本当に、見違えるほど綺麗だ。Hontō ni, michigaeru hodo kirei da.Truly, it is strikingly beautiful.
- 結衣 Yui蓮さんのセンスは素晴らしいです。Ren-san no sensu wa subarashii desu.Ren, your sense is wonderful.
- 蓮 Renありがとう、そう言ってもらえると嬉しいよ。Arigatō, sō itte moraeru to ureshii yo.Thank you, I am happy to hear that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dramatic” translations and entries 劇的, ドラマティック, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
