Word
Kana: かんしょう Romaji: kanshou Level: N2

鑑賞

Meaning in English

appreciation

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Dictionary

Word context

What it means

鑑賞 means the act of appreciating or enjoying art, music, literature, or performances; it denotes a refined, discerning form of viewing rather than casual looking.

Main meanings

  • artistic appreciation and discerning enjoyment of art, music, literature, or performance
  • the act of looking at something with aesthetic judgment and attention
  • the skill or capacity to appreciate art (鑑賞力)

How to use it

Used as a noun and as a verb via 鑑賞する; typically formal or scholarly contexts; commonly paired with 映画, 美術, 音楽; examples include 映画を鑑賞する, 美術展を鑑賞する, 鑑賞力を高める

Variants and close terms

  • 観賞 (kanshō): viewing as a spectator; nuance shifts toward general viewing or display
  • 鑑賞力 (kanjōryoku): ability to appreciate, critical listening/viewing skills
  • 軽視 (keishi): neglect or undervaluing, antonym in practice

Composition

  • 鑑: to examine, model; implies using a standard or reference point while observing
  • 賞: to praise, reward; denotes the evaluative aspect of the act

Etymology

kan shō are the on'yomi readings; the compound combines 鑑 meaning to examine or model and 賞 meaning praise; together they indicate a cultivated act of examining art and praising it.

Word class

Noun; suru-verb (名詞, サ変動詞)

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