二枚目(にまいめ)

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.