How to Say "Geisha" in Japanese

芸者

geisha[ɡe̞ːɕa̠]

The English phrase geisha is translated into Japanese as 芸者. If unsure, use 芸者. Wiktionary also lists 芸妓 (geigi) and 芸子 (geiko).

Meaning: a Japanese entertainer (noun)

Ways to say it

A geisha is a traditional Japanese entertainer.

The word 芸者 is composed of the characters 芸 (art/performance) and 者 (person).

While 芸者 is a general term, 芸妓 (geigi) is a more formal or professional way to refer to a geisha.

In Kanazawa and Kyoto, geisha are commonly known as 芸妓.

geisha

A trainee geisha is called a 舞妓 (maiko), which literally means 'dancing child'. They have a distinct appearance, including more colorful kimonos and different hairstyles than a fully trained 芸者.
The root 芸 (gei) found in 芸者 is also the core of the word 芸能人 (geinōjin), which is the modern Japanese term for a celebrity or entertainer.
The word 芸者 is a linguistic hybrid, constructed from Middle Chinese elements that were adapted into Japanese to mean 'art person'.

明日芸妓と遊びに行かない？
Ashita geiko to asobi ni ikunai?
鈴木さんは芸妓のファンです。
Suzuki-san wa geiko no fan desu.
彼女は有名な芸者です。
Kanojo wa yuumeina geisha desu.
She is a famous geisha.
芸者の舞はとても美しいです。
Geisha no mai wa totemo utsukushii desu.
The geisha's dance is very beautiful.
京都には芸者がたくさんいます。
Kyoto ni wa geisha ga takusan imasu.
There are many geisha in Kyoto.

A man and a woman are discussing a cultural performance in Kyoto.

陽葵 Himari

あの芸者はとても綺麗ですね。
Ano geisha wa totemo kirei desu ne.
That geisha is very beautiful, isn't she?
蓮 Ren

はい、とても上品な女性ですね。
Hai, totemo jouhin na josei desu ne.
Yes, she is a very elegant woman.
陽葵 Himari

伝統的な芸者の文化は素晴らしいです。
Dentoutekina geisha no bunka wa subarashii desu.
The traditional geisha culture is wonderful.
蓮 Ren

本当に、学ぶことが多いです。
Hontou ni, manabu koto ga ooi desu.
Indeed, there is much to learn.

Sources

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