1.
audience, listeners, spectators (at a performance or speech)
The people who gather to listen to a speech, concert, lecture, or other performance. Emphasizes the act of listening rather than watching.
聴衆が拍手を送った。
The audience applauded.
コンサートには約三千人の聴衆が集まった。
About three thousand people gathered for the concert.
彼のスピーチは聴衆の心を強くつかみ、会場全体が静まり返った。
His speech gripped the audience's hearts, and the entire venue fell silent.
USAGE:
Used for audiences at concerts, lectures, speeches, and similar events where listening is the primary activity. For visual performances like theater or film, 観客 (spectators/viewers) is more appropriate.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 観客: spectators, audience (emphasis on watching)
- 観衆: spectators, crowd (large outdoor events)
- 視聴者: viewers/listeners (TV/radio audience)
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 聴衆を魅了する: to captivate the audience
- 聴衆に語りかける: to address the audience
- 大勢の聴衆: a large audience