Japanese word

舞

Pronunciation

Romajimai

Meaning

  • noundance

Example

祭りで伝統的な舞を見ました。matsu ri de den tō teki na mai o mi ma shi ta

I watched a traditional dance at the festival.

Illustration for 舞 (dance)

More examples

子どもたちは先生の舞をまねして練習しました。ko do mo ta chi wa sen sei no mai o ma ne shi te ren shū shi ma shi ta

The children practiced by copying the teacher's dance.

Core concept

Centers on patterned bodily movement performed as an art, often with a formal or traditional style.

Common phrases

  • 舞を奉納するmai o hō nō su ru

    offer a dance

  • 舞を披露するmai o hi rō su ru

    showcase a dance

  • 舞を習うmai o nara u

    learn a dance

Similar words

舞踊buyō: A dance presented as an art form, including traditional and modern styles.
踊りodori: A dance performed for enjoyment, entertainment, or social occasions.

Definition in Japanese

音楽や一定の型に合わせて身振りや足取りを動かす芸能。on gaku ya it tei no kata ni a wa se te mi bu ri ya ashi do ri o ugo ka su gei nō

Word origin

The native noun 舞 (mai, "dance") is related to the verb 舞う (mau, "to dance"), with the verb stem used to name the activity.

Usage tips

  • In Noh performance, 舞 (mai) denotes controlled, stylized movement performed with music rather than casual social dancing.

Related words

  • 舞い方maikataway of dancingnoun
  • 舞い手maitedancernoun

Word lists with this word