道化師
dōkeshi[do̞ːke̞ɕi]
The English word 'jester' is translated into Japanese as 道化師 (dōkeshi).
道化師 is used to describe a person who performs as a jester or a buffoon.
Meaning: one who jests (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 道化師 refers to the person (the jester), the word 道化 refers to the act of clowning or buffoonery itself. Additionally, the word ピエロ is used specifically to refer to a clown or a circus performer.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun 道化 can be used to describe the concept of buffoonery, whereas 道化師 is the noun used for the individual practitioner.
How do you pronounce it?
dōkeshi
Did you know?
- In modern Japanese pop culture, if a character is acting like a 'fool' in a silly or endearing way, they are often called 天然 (tennen), which literally means 'natural' but implies a charming lack of awareness.
- The suffix 師 in 道化師 is also used for highly respected professions like 医師 for 'doctor' or 教師 for 'teacher'. It implies a level of mastery or professional skill in the art of buffoonery.
- The word ピエロ is not a native Japanese word but is borrowed from the French character 'Pierrot'. This distinguishes a white-faced, melancholic clown from the more general 道化師.
Examples in context
- 王子と道化師は共通点が多かった。The prince and the jester had a lot in common.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use 道化師 when discussing a character alongside a prince.Tatoeba #1205692 by marcelostockle, translation #1205686 by CM
- 彼は素晴らしい道化師です。He is an amazing jester.
- 彼は道化のような笑い方をする。He laughs like a jester.
- 彼はサーカスで道化師を務めている。Kare wa saakasu de doukeshi o tsutomete iru.He works as a jester in a circus.
- 道化師のメイクはとても面白い。Doukeshi no meiku wa totemo omoshiroi.The jester's makeup is very interesting.
Example conversation
Hiyori and Yota are looking at a painting in a museum.
- 陽葵 Himariこの絵の道化師は面白いね。Kono e no dōkeshi wa omoshiroi ne.The jester in this painting is funny, isn't he?
- 陽太 Yota本当だ。変な格好をしているね。Hontō da. Hen na kakkō o shite iru ne.You're right. He's dressed strangely.
- 陽葵 Himari昔の道化師は大変だったと思うよ。Mukashi no dōkeshi wa taihen datta to omou yo.I think jesters in the past had it hard.
- 陽太 Yotaそうだね。いつも笑わせなきゃいけないし。Sō da ne. Itsumo warawasenakya ikenai shi.True. They always had to make people laugh.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 道化師, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
