まく
JLPT:N3
Frequency:

1A curtain (especially a stage curtain); a drape that separates the stage from the audience.

Noun

Examples

舞台の幕が上がると、音楽が始まった。

When the stage curtain rose, the music began.

劇場の厚い幕で光が遮られていた。

The thick theater curtain blocked out the light.

2An act in a play (a division or unit of a theatrical performance).

NounCounter

Examples

この戯曲は三幕構成になっている。

This play is structured in three acts.

第二幕の終わりで大きなどんでん返しがある。

There's a big twist at the end of the second act.

3The falling of the curtain; the end or close of a scene or performance.

Noun

Examples

長い物語もついに幕を閉じた。

The long story finally drew to a close.

4An end; a close (used for the ending of a period, event, or situation).

Noun

Examples

長年続いた両者の対立も、これで幕だ。

Thus, the years-long conflict between the two sides comes to an end.

5Refers to a role, place, or occasion for one's involvement; most often used in negative constructions like 出る幕がない ('there's no place for me here') or 口を挟む幕ではない ('this isn't the occasion for me to interject').

Noun

Examples

これは専門家の意見を聞くべき場面で、素人が口を出す幕ではない。

This is a situation where we should hear an expert's opinion — it's not the place for an amateur to chime in.

子供の喧嘩に親が口を出す幕ではない。

It's not a parent's place to intervene in a children's quarrel.

彼はもう自分の幕ではないと悟り、身を引いた。

He realized this was no longer his role to play, and stepped back.

6In sumo, it can refer to the top division (makuuchi).

NounSumo

Examples

彼は来場所から幕に上がると期待されている。

He is expected to be promoted to the makuuchi division from the next tournament.

Word Relationships

Synonyms