コント

こんと
noun
(comedy) sketch; skit
entertainmentculture
1. (comedy) sketch; skit
A short comic skit performed by one or more comedians in character, typically with a clear setting (school, office, restaurant) and a punchline. Distinguished from 漫才(まんざい), which is performed by stand-up duos as themselves.
That sketch was funny.
They are comedians who specialize in sketch comedy.
I'm writing scripts for new comedy sketches for the program.

From French conte (short tale). On Japanese TV, comedy duos and groups regularly perform brief scripted コント of one to several minutes, often distinguishable by simple costumes and a single set.

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 漫才(まんざい): stand-up comedy duo — two performers as themselves, fast-paced verbal back-and-forth
  • 落語(らくご): rakugo — solo seated storytelling in kimono; much longer than コント