1.
geisha; geiko; trained female entertainer
A female entertainer trained in traditional Japanese arts such as music, dance, and conversation. The formal term for what is more commonly known as 芸者. In Kyoto, the equivalent term is 芸子 (geiko).
芸妓が三味線を弾いた。
The geisha played the shamisen.
祇園では芸妓のことを芸子と呼ぶ。
In Gion, geisha are called geiko.
芸妓になるには長年の厳しい修行が必要だ。
Becoming a geisha requires many years of rigorous training.
USAGE:
芸妓 is the formal, literary term for a geisha. In everyday speech, 芸者 is more common. In Kyoto's 花街 (geisha districts), the local term is 芸子. A trainee geisha is called a 舞妓 in Kyoto or 半玉 in Tokyo.
REGIONAL TERMS:
- 芸者 — standard/Tokyo term (most common nationwide)
- 芸妓 — formal/literary term
- 芸子 — Kyoto term
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 芸妓の舞 (a geisha's dance)
- 芸妓を呼ぶ (to call for a geisha)
- 芸妓置屋 (geisha house, where geisha are registered)