二枚目(にまいめ)

にまいめ
noun
handsome man; leading man; heartthrob
1. handsome man; leading man; heartthrob
A good-looking man, especially one who plays romantic leading roles. Originated from kabuki theater terminology.
彼(かれ)は二枚目(にまいめ)俳優(はいゆう)として有名(ゆうめい)だ。
He is famous as a handsome leading actor.
二枚目(にまいめ)半(はん)のキャラクターが人気(にんき)だ。
The character who is both handsome and funny is popular.
顔(かお)は二枚目(にまいめ)なのに、性格(せいかく)は三枚目(さんまいめ)だ。
He has a handsome face, but his personality is more like a comedian.

ETYMOLOGY:
From kabuki theater, where the roles were listed on signboards (看板(かんばん)). The second board (二枚目(にまいめ), literally "second sheet") listed the romantic lead roles played by handsome actors.

KABUKI ROLE SYSTEM:

  • 一枚目(いちまいめ) - main male lead (serious hero)
  • 二枚目(にまいめ) - romantic lead (handsome heartthrob)
  • 三枚目(さんまいめ) - comedic role

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • 二枚目(にまいめ)俳優(はいゆう) - handsome actor
  • 二枚目(にまいめ)半(はん) - someone who is both handsome and funny (lit. "two-and-a-half board")

MODERN USAGE:
Today, 二枚目(にまいめ) is used casually to describe any good-looking man, not just actors.

REGISTER:
Casual to neutral. Slightly playful or old-fashioned feel.

Related Words

Related: 三枚目(さんまいめ) (comedian)
general
Added 2026.1.19 16:24 · Revised 2026.1.24 23:24
07000/07403_nimaime