大道具（おおどうぐ、oおdougu）
- stage props

The Japanese word 大道具 大道具 （おおどうぐ） refers to the large props and stage equipment used in theatrical productions, film sets, or other performance settings. These are generally substantial, movable items that help create the environment and setting of a scene. They are distinct from smaller props, which are often handled by actors. 大道具 is essential to visual storytelling in these mediums.

⚫︎その劇の大道具は非常に豪華だった。 Translation: The stage props for that play were very elaborate. ⚫︎大道具係は、舞台転換で忙しかった。 Translation: The stage crew in charge of large props was busy with set changes. ⚫︎映画の撮影現場で、巨大な大道具が運び込まれた。 Translation: Huge props were brought in on the film set.

You would use 大道具 when talking about the large, physical items that form part of a performance's setting. It's used in contexts related to theater, film, television, live events, and any situation where a visual environment is created using physical objects. You would refer to the people who work with 大道具 as 大道具係.

大道具 is typically written with the kanji 大 (おお, meaning "large" or "big") and 道具 (どうぐ, meaning "tools" or "equipment"). The reading is おおどうぐ in hiragana. There is no other common way to write this word. The okurigana is standard, with no variations.

While there aren't direct synonyms that are exactly equivalent, similar concepts include: ⚫︎舞台美術 (ぶたいびじゅつ): Stage design, which encompasses 大道具 as part of the overall visual aesthetic. ⚫︎セット (setto): Set, particularly when referring to the constructed environment of a stage or film.

The direct antonym is not common, but opposite concepts can be thought as: ⚫︎小道具 (こどうぐ): Small props, used by the actors. These are small items and are in contrast to 大道具.

舞台監督は、次のシーンの大道具の配置を確認した。 ・Translation: The stage manager checked the placement of the large props for the next scene. ・Explanation: This sentence uses 大道具 to describe the items the stage manager is managing.

大道具は、劇の雰囲気を大きく変えることができる。 ・Translation: Large props can significantly change the atmosphere of a play. ・Explanation: This sentence highlights the impact of 大道具 on the overall experience of the performance.

The word 大道具 is a compound word. 大 signifies "large" or "big," and 道具 means "tools" or "equipment." The combination, therefore, logically points to the large pieces of equipment used in a production.