Word
鑑賞
Meaning in Englishappreciation
Animated kanji stroke order
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)