Japanese word

舞う

Pronunciation

Romajimau

Meaning

  • verbdance

Example

神前で舞います。shin zen de ma i ma su

I dance before the shrine.

Illustration for 舞う (dance)

More examples

舞台の中央で、彼女は観客に向かって舞います。bu tai no chū ō de kano jo wa kan kyaku ni mu ka tte ma i ma su

In the center of the stage, she dances facing the audience.

Core concept

Describes rhythmic or swirling movement through space, from a person dancing to leaves carried by air.

Common phrases

  • 舞台で舞うbu tai de ma u

    dance on stage

  • 扇を手に舞うōgi o te ni ma u

    dance holding a fan

Similar words

踊るodoru: To move the body rhythmically in a dance for enjoyment or social activity.

Definition in Japanese

体をリズミカルに動かして踊る。また、風などに乗って回りながら動く。karada o ri zu mi ka ru ni ugo ka shi te odo ru ma ta kaze na do ni no tte mawa ri na ga ra ugo ku

Word origin

舞う (mau) is a native Japanese verb whose historical spelling is 舞ふ (mau), an older form for dancing or circling movement; its deeper origin is uncertain.

Usage tips

  • In traditional performing arts, 舞う (mau) is associated with formal dance, while casual social dancing is more commonly expressed with 踊る (odoru).

Other meanings

  • whirlverb

Related words

  • 舞いmaidancenoun

Word lists with this word