三枚目(さんまいめ)

さんまいめ
noun
comedian; funny person; comic relief
informalemotionleisureoccupation
1. comedian; funny person; comic character
A person who plays comedic roles or has a funny, amusing personality. Originated from kabuki theater terminology.
彼(かれ)はクラスの三枚目(さんまいめ)だ。
He's the class clown.
三枚目(さんまいめ)キャラで人気(にんき)を集(あつ)めた。
He became popular with his comedic character.
普段(ふだん)は真面目(まじめ)だが、時々(ときどき)三枚目(さんまいめ)になる。
He's usually serious, but sometimes he acts like a comedian.

Etymology

From kabuki theater, where the roles were listed on signboards (看板(かんばん)). The third board (三枚目(さんまいめ), literally "third sheet") listed the comedic roles.

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

Usage

三枚目(さんまいめ) can be used to describe someone who:

  • Plays comic roles professionally
  • Has a naturally funny/goofy personality
  • Acts as the comic relief in a group

Similar words

二枚目(にまいめ) focuses on looks and romantic appeal, while 三枚目(さんまいめ) focuses on humor and entertainment value.

Register

Casual. Often used affectionately.

Related Words

Related: 二枚目(にまいめ) (handsome man)
general
Added 2026.1.19 16:24 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
07000/07404_sanmaime