1.
female role; woman's part (in a play or performance)
A role portraying a female character in theater, film, or other performing arts. Particularly significant in traditional Japanese theater forms where male actors play female roles.
彼は女役を演じた。
He played a female role.
この劇では女役が物語の鍵を握っている。
In this play, the female role holds the key to the story.
歌舞伎では男性の役者が女役を務めることが伝統となっている。
In kabuki, it is a tradition for male actors to perform female roles.
Composed of 女 (woman) and 役 (role, part). In traditional Japanese theater, the concept of men performing 女役 has deep cultural significance. In 歌舞伎, male actors specializing in female roles are called 女形/女方, and this specialization is passed down through family lines.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 女役を演じる: to play a female role
- 女役を務める: to serve as the female lead
- 女役の衣装: costume for a female role
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 女形/女方: onnagata — a male kabuki actor specializing in female roles
- 男役: male role — the counterpart; also significant in Takarazuka Revue
- 主役: lead role — the principal character regardless of gender