Quick answer
演 is the kanji for "Perform". A common reading is えん (en). You can also practice writing it on this page.
Meaning
Perform
Also : Act · Play (theatre) · Render
Learn 演 with SRS
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
14 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 演 represents 'PERFORMANCE'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of performance.
On-reading: えん — remember this sound by associating it with performance.
Example Sentences
舞台で演技しました。
ぶたいでえんぎしました。
I performed on stage.
演説を聞いて感動しました。
えんぜつをきいてかんどうしました。
I was moved listening to the speech.
Vocabulary using 演
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
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