道化師(どうけし)

どうけし
noun
clown; jester
personleisure
1. clown; jester; buffoon
A performer who entertains through comedy, often in a circus or theatrical setting. Also used figuratively for someone who acts the fool to amuse others or to describe someone being made a fool of.
道化師(どうけし)が子(こ)どもたちを笑(わら)わせた。
The clown made the children laugh.
彼(かれ)はいつもクラスの道化師(どうけし)役(やく)だった。
He was always the class clown.
道化師(どうけし)の笑顔(えがお)の裏(うら)には深(ふか)い悲(かな)しみが隠(かく)されていた。
Behind the clown's smile, a deep sadness was hidden.

Usage: 道化師(どうけし) can refer to a literal circus clown or theatrical jester, or be used figuratively for someone who plays the fool. The figurative use sometimes carries a poignant nuance — someone who hides their true feelings behind humor.

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 道化師(どうけし): clown, jester (formal/literary)
  • ピエロ: clown, pierrot (loanword, also used figuratively for someone made a fool of)
  • 道化(どうけ): clowning, buffoonery (the act itself)

Related Words

Synonym: ピエロ (clown (loanword))
Compare: おどけ者(もの) (joker)
general
Added 2026.3.6 20:50 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
15000/15368_doukeshi