女役(おんなやく)

おんなやく
noun
female role; woman's part
art
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(かれ)は女役(おんなやく)を演(えん)じた。
He played a female role.
この劇(げき)では女役(おんなやく)が物語(ものがたり)の鍵(かぎ)を握(にぎ)っている。
In this play, the female role holds the key to the story.
歌舞伎(かぶき)では男性(だんせい)の役者(やくしゃ)が女役(おんなやく)を務(つと)めることが伝統(でんとう)となっている。
In kabuki, it is a tradition for male actors to perform female roles.

Composed of 女(おんな) (woman) and 役(やく) (role, part). In traditional Japanese theater, the concept of men performing 女役(おんなやく) has deep cultural significance. In 歌舞伎(かぶき), male actors specializing in female roles are called 女形(おやま)/女方(おんながた), and this specialization is passed down through family lines.

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 女形(おんながた)/女方(おんながた): onnagata — a male kabuki actor specializing in female roles
  • 男役(おとこやく): male role — the counterpart; also significant in Takarazuka Revue
  • 主役(しゅやく): lead role — the principal character regardless of gender

Related Words

Compare: 女形(おんながた) (onnagata)
Compare: 主役(しゅやく) (lead role)
general
Added 2026.5.5 1:22 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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