舞妓(まいこ)

まいこ
noun
apprentice geisha; maiko
cultureperson
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(きょうと)で舞妓(まいこ)さんに会(あ)った。
I met a maiko in Kyoto.
舞妓(まいこ)さんが花街(かがい)を歩(ある)いている姿(すがた)は美(うつく)しい。
The sight of a maiko walking through the geisha district is beautiful.
舞妓(まいこ)は厳(きび)しい修業(しゅぎょう)を経(へ)て、やがて芸妓(げいこ)になる。
A maiko undergoes rigorous training and eventually becomes a full geisha.

Usage

舞妓(まいこ) specifically refers to an apprentice geisha, primarily in Kyoto. The polite form 舞妓(まいこ)さん is commonly used. After completing training (typically around age 20), a 舞妓(まいこ) becomes a 芸妓(げいこ) (full geisha).

Common collocations

  • 舞妓(まいこ)さん (maiko — polite form)
  • 舞妓(まいこ)体験(たいけん) (maiko experience — dressing up as a maiko)
  • 舞妓(まいこ)デビュー (店出(みせだ)し — a maiko's debut)

Cultural note

舞妓(まいこ) are most associated with Kyoto's five 花街(かがい) (geisha districts), especially 祇園(ぎおん). In Kyoto, a full geisha is called 芸妓(げいこ) rather than 芸者(げいしゃ).

Related Words

Related: 置屋(おきや) (geisha house)
general
Added 2026.3.5 15:54 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
15000/15099_maiko