1.
east and west
The two cardinal directions; or a comparison between Eastern and Western cultures.
東西の文化。
Eastern and Western cultures.
東西南北に広がる。
It spreads in all directions.
東西文化の交流が進んでいる。
Cultural exchange between East and West is advancing.
古今東西、親が子を思う気持ちは同じだ。
In all times and places, the feelings of parents for their children are the same.
この国は東西に長く、気候が地域によって大きく違う。
This country stretches from east to west, and the climate varies greatly by region.
2.
attention! (interjection)
A call for attention, used at the beginning of announcements in traditional performances.
東西、東西！
Attention, attention!
Traditional call at kabuki or sumo events
相撲の会場で「東西」の声が響いた。
The call of "Touzai!" echoed through the sumo arena.
「東西、東西」と呼びかけて、歌舞伎の演目が始まった。
With the call of "Touzai, touzai," the kabuki performance began.
落語の舞台で「東西」の掛け声がかかると、客席が静まった。
When the call "Touzai" rang out at the rakugo stage, the audience fell silent.
昔から日本の伝統芸能では、「東西」と言って観客の注意を引く習慣がある。
Since long ago, there has been a custom in Japanese traditional performing arts of saying "Touzai" to get the audience's attention.
東西 means east and west, or is used as an attention-getting call.
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 東西南北: all directions
- 東西文化: Eastern and Western cultures
- 古今東西: all times and places
TRADITIONAL USE:
「東西、東西！」is called out to get the audience's attention before announcements at traditional events like kabuki or sumo.
CONTRAST:
- 東西: east and west
- 南北: north and south
[Register: Neutral]