役(やく)を演(えん)じる

A versatile expression used both literally (acting) and figuratively (fulfilling a function or pretending). In sense 2, it can imply either a genuine social function or a pretense — the context determines which.

Common patterns

• 主役(しゅやく)を演(えん)じる: to play the lead role
• 悪役(あくやく)を演(えん)じる: to play the villain
• 重要(じゅうよう)な役(やく)を演(えん)じる: to play an important role
• 〜の役(やく)を演(えん)じる: to play the role of
• 役(やく)を演(えん)じ切(き)る: to play a role through to the end

Similar words

• 役割(やくわり)を果(は)たす: to fulfill a role — more neutral, emphasizes duty and function rather than acting
• 演技(えんぎ)する: to act, to perform — focuses on the act of performing itself
• 扮(ふん)する: to disguise oneself as; to play the part of — more literary, often used for costume roles
• 役(やく)になりきる: to completely become one's character — emphasizes total immersion in a role