1.
apprentice geisha; maiko
A young woman training to become a geisha, typically found in Kyoto's geisha districts. Maiko are recognized by their distinctive elaborate hairstyles, colorful long-sleeved kimono, and trailing obi sash. Composed of 舞 (dance) + 妓 (female entertainer).
京都で舞妓さんに会った。
I met a maiko in Kyoto.
舞妓さんが花街を歩いている姿は美しい。
The sight of a maiko walking through the geisha district is beautiful.
舞妓は厳しい修業を経て、やがて芸妓になる。
A maiko undergoes rigorous training and eventually becomes a full geisha.
USAGE:
舞妓 specifically refers to an apprentice geisha, primarily in Kyoto. The polite form 舞妓さん is commonly used. After completing training (typically around age 20), a 舞妓 becomes a 芸妓 (full geisha).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 舞妓さん (maiko — polite form)
- 舞妓体験 (maiko experience — dressing up as a maiko)
- 舞妓デビュー (店出し — a maiko's debut)
CULTURAL NOTE:
舞妓 are most associated with Kyoto's five 花街 (geisha districts), especially 祇園. In Kyoto, a full geisha is called 芸妓 rather than 芸者.