Japanese word

歌舞伎

Pronunciation

Romajikabuki

Meaning

  • nounkabuki

Example

私は歌舞伎をよく見ます。watashi wa ka bu ki o yo ku mi ma su

I often watch kabuki.

Illustration for 歌舞伎 (kabuki)

More examples

授業で歌舞伎の歴史と独特の演技を学びました。ju gyō de ka bu ki no reki shi to doku toku no en gi o mana bi ma shi ta

I learned about the history of kabuki and its distinctive acting in class.

Core concept

Refers to a highly stylized form of Japanese theater that combines acting, music, dance, and striking visual presentation.

Common phrases

  • 歌舞伎を見るka bu ki o mi ru

    watch kabuki

  • 歌舞伎の歴史ka bu ki no reki shi

    the history of kabuki

  • 歌舞伎の演技ka bu ki no en gi

    kabuki acting

Definition in Japanese

歌・音楽・舞踊・演技などを組み合わせ、様式化された演技や華やかな衣装で演じる日本の伝統演劇。uta on gaku bu yō en gi na do o ku mi a wa se yō shiki ka sa re ta en gi ya hana ya ka na i shō de en ji ru nihon no den tō en geki

Word origin

The term comes from kabuku, written 傾く (kabuku, "to lean"), which also meant to behave outside convention; 歌舞伎 (kabuki) is a later spelling linked to song, dance, and performance skill.

Usage tips

  • In English, political kabuki describes an elaborate public performance whose ritual and spectacle may matter more than its practical result.

Word lists with this word