番組
bangumi[bã̠ŋɡɯ̟mʲi]
The Japanese word for "shows" (referring to broadcast programs) is 番組 (bangumi).
番組 is used specifically to refer to programs broadcast on television or radio. It should not be used to describe live stage performances or exhibitions. For example, if you want to specify a quiz show, you can say クイズ番組.
Which one should you use?
While 番組 refers to broadcasted programs, the term 公演 is used specifically for live performances such as theater plays, concerts, musicals or other staged events.
How do you pronounce it?
bangumi
Did you know?
- The word 番組 was originally used in the Edo period to refer to a special task force or a temporary government assignment.
- The term 番組 literally translates to a 'set of turns' or 'order of turns'. This stems from the idea that each program is assigned a specific slot or turn in a sequence.
- While 番組 is used for broadcasts, the term バラエティ (variety) describes a specific, ubiquitous genre of Japanese show that blends comedy, games and talk.
Examples in context
- 日本に留学していた時、どんな番組見てた？When you were studying abroad in Japan, what sort of TV shows did you watch?This sentence uses 番組 to ask about the types of shows watched while studying in Japan.Tatoeba #8714808 by small_snow, translation #10284709 by terrywallwork
- ここのテレビ局、以前放送した番組でやらせがあったんだってね。I've heard that this TV station has used a staged event in one of its previous shows.This sentence uses 番組 to discuss a staged event in a previous show at a TV station.Tatoeba #1220898 by bunbuku, translation #10122998 by tsp_2
- 最近のテレビ番組のことは知らないんだ。I'm really not up on recent TV shows.This sentence uses 番組 to express a lack of knowledge regarding recent television shows.Tatoeba #170702 by mookeee, translation #243779 by CM
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are talking about what to watch on TV.
- 蓮 Ren面白そうな番組があるよ。Omoshirosou na bangumi ga aru yo.There is an interesting show.
- 陽葵 Himari本当に？何系の番組？Hontou ni? Nani kei no bangumi?Really? What kind of show is it?
- 蓮 Ren料理の番組だよ。Ryouri no bangumi da yo.It is a cooking show.
- 陽葵 Himariそれなら一緒に見よう！Sore nara issho ni miyou!In that case, let's watch it together!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 番組, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 番組, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
