舞台|ぶたいbutai[1]atamadaka (head-high)

1. nounstage (of a theatre, concert hall, etc.)
   踊り手おどりてたちは舞台ぶたいを横切よこぎって軽々けいけいと踊おどっていった。↗

   The dancers tripped lightly across the stage.
2. nounstage performance; stage production; theatrical production; play; show
   最高さいこうの舞台ぶたいだった。↗

   The performance was excellent.
3. nounsetting (of a story); scene
   その物語ものがたりの舞台ぶたいは明治めいじ末期まっきの日本にっぽんである。↗

   The setting of the story is Japan in the late Meiji period.
4. nounsphere (of activity); stage (e.g. political stage); scene; arena; world

• SynonymステージNeutralLoanword for the stage or a podium, and also for a phase, as in 「次のステージ」; 「舞台」 also extends to theatrical productions and the setting of a story.
• Antonym客席きゃくせきNeutralAudience seating, the opposite of 「舞台」, where the performers stand.
• Antonym楽屋がくやNeutralBackstage and dressing rooms, opposite the audience-facing 「舞台」; by extension it can also suggest inside affairs.

Use 「舞台」 for the place where a performance is put on or the setting of a story, covering both plays and concerts. 「ステージ」 also covers podiums and phases like 「次のステージ」; audience seating is 「客席」, backstage is 「楽屋」.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. 演劇えんげき・舞踊ぶようなどをして、客きゃくに見みせる場所ばしょ。ステージ。
2. 演技えんぎをすること。演劇えんげき・舞踊ぶようなどの舞台ぶたい公演こうえん。
3. 場所ばしょ。活躍かつやくの場ば。事件じけんの現場げんば。設定せっていされた状況じょうきょう。