1.
inn waitress, ryokan attendant, traditional restaurant server
A female attendant at a traditional Japanese inn (ryokan) or traditional restaurant (ryoutei) who serves food, prepares rooms, and attends to guests. Typically wears a kimono.
仲居さんが部屋に案内してくれた。
The inn attendant showed us to our room.
仲居さんが着物を着て食事を運んできた。
The inn attendant brought the meal wearing a kimono.
老舗旅館の仲居さんはおもてなしの心が行き届いていて、滞在がとても快適だった。
The attendants at the long-established ryokan had thorough hospitality, making the stay very comfortable.
Traditionally a female role. Usually addressed as 仲居さん with the honorific さん. The role is closely associated with Japanese hospitality culture (おもてなし).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 仲居さん (inn attendant — with honorific)
- 仲居として働く (to work as an inn attendant)
- 旅館の仲居 (ryokan attendant)
- 料亭の仲居 (traditional restaurant attendant)
CULTURAL NOTES:
At a 旅館, the 仲居 typically welcomes guests, serves tea, explains the room and facilities, brings meals to the guest room, and lays out the 布団 (futon bedding). The role is a central part of the traditional Japanese inn experience.