Question 1

Aiso-zukashiとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] In breakup plays, the woman coldly rejects the man she loves to secretly help him. [Today] To act cold toward someone; to lose patience or affection. *Note: 「愛想尽かし」は歌舞伎の演技用語だが、日常語「愛想を尽かす」が歌舞伎由来かは諸説あり

Question 2

Daikon yakushaとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] A derogatory term for a bad actor. Daikon radish never causes food poisoning ('ataru'), so 'doesn't hit' = 'never a hit.' [Today] A bad actor. Also used for someone whose lies or pretense are transparently unconvincing.

Question 3

Donden-gaeshiとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] A dramatic scene change where the set piece is flipped over, accompanied by booming drums. [Today] A plot twist; a complete reversal of the situation at the end.

Question 4

Dorojiaiとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] A scene of thieves fighting, exposing each other's secrets in an ugly quarrel. [Today] A mudslinging match; an ugly dispute where both sides expose each other's faults. *Note: 芝居由来とする説が有力だが、相撲由来説もあり

Question 5

Doronとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] The drum sound effect — 'doro doro' — played when ghosts or spirits vanish. [Today] To slip away; to disappear quietly.

Question 6

Dosamawariとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] A troupe's touring of rural areas — expressing the hardship of traveling troupes. [Today] Traveling around the provinces; sometimes implying a demotion or hardship. *Note: 「佐渡の逆さ読み」説は俗説。語源は未確定

Question 7

Gakuya ochiとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] Inside jokes that only those in the dressing room (gakuya) would understand. [Today] An inside joke; humor that only insiders would get.

Question 8

Hanagataとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] A popular young star actor who blooms like a flower on stage. [Today] A star; the leading figure.

Question 9

Hinoki butaiとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] A stage made of premium hinoki cypress — used for the finest theaters and noh stages. [Today] A grand stage to showcase one's abilities.

Question 10

Ichimai kanbanとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] The star actor whose name appears largest on the theater's billboard. [Today] The face of an organization; the star player.

Question 11

Ichimatsu moyoとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] From the hakama pattern worn by the popular Edo-era actor Sanogawa Ichimatsu I, which became a huge trend. [Today] A checkerboard pattern — also featured in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics emblem.

Question 12

Ita ni tsukuとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] When an actor's performance fits naturally on the stage (ita = boards). A compliment for a seasoned performer. [Today] To look natural and fitting in one's role or position.

Question 13

Kao ga ureruとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] From kaomise performances where actors promoted their name and face. [Today] To become well-known; to gain fame.

Question 14

Katagakiとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] On the banzuke, the zamoto's name was written at the 'shoulder' of each actor's name — literally 'shoulder writing.' [Today] A job title or position written on business cards.

Question 15

Kerenmiとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] Spectacular staging like flying or quick costume changes. Originally 'trickery,' in kabuki it's positive showmanship. [Today] Showmanship or bluff. 'Kerenmi no nai' means 'straightforward and unpretentious.'

Question 16

Kokera otoshiとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] The inaugural performance at a newly built theater. 'Kokera' means wood shavings brushed off at construction completion. [Today] An opening event for a new facility — used for stadiums, galleries, etc.

Question 17

Kuromakuとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] A black curtain used for night scenes or scene changes, controlling the stage from behind. [Today] A mastermind; someone pulling strings from behind the scenes.

Question 18

Maku wo hikuとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] To draw the curtain, ending an act. [Today] To bring something to an end.

Question 19

Makugireとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] The closing of the draw curtain, ending an act. [Today] The end of something; a conclusion.

Question 20

Merihariとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] In gidayu and nagauta music, the contrast of pitch and volume — 'meri' (lowering) and 'hari' (projecting). [Today] To add variation and contrast.

Question 21

Mie wo kiruとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] Kabuki's iconic pose — freezing in position, swinging the head, and opening the eyes wide. [Today] To show off or bluff with exaggerated confidence.

Question 22

Misebaとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] The most impressive scene in a play — the showpiece where actors display their greatest skill. [Today] The highlight or most impressive moment.

Question 23

Naanaaとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] From mouthing 'naa, naa' to each other when acting out a whispered conversation on stage. [Today] To settle something loosely by mutual compromise; to be too chummy.

Question 24

Nobetsu makunashiとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] Performing continuously without the curtain ever coming down — no intermissions. [Today] Non-stop; incessantly. 'Talking non-stop.'

Question 25

Noriとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] An actor matching their dialogue and movement to the rhythm of the musical ensemble. [Today] Rhythm, groove, vibe. 'Good vibes,' 'getting into it.'

Question 26

Ogiriとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] From 'ogiri,' the final play of a kabuki program — the entertaining send-off for the audience. [Today] An improvisational comedy segment where performers compete with wit. *Note: 歌舞伎の「大切」が語源とされるが、寄席芸能から発展した説もあり

Question 27

Ohako / Juhachibanとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] The 18 signature plays of the Ichikawa family. Scripts were stored in paulownia boxes ('hako'), hence 'ohako.' [Today] One's specialty or go-to skill. 'My go-to karaoke song.'

Question 28

Oie-geiとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] Signature plays and styles passed down through each acting family. [Today] One's specialty or signature skill; something an organization is known for.

Question 29

Onzoshiとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] The heir of a kabuki acting family, closely watched as the next generation. [Today] The son of a wealthy or powerful family; a privileged young man. *Note: 元は武家の子息を指す語。歌舞伎界で広く使われ現代に定着

Question 30

Oomuko wo unaraseruとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] A performance so superb it impresses even the discerning regulars in the uppermost gallery seats. [Today] To impress even experts and connoisseurs with one's skill.

Question 31

Oozumeとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] The final act of a kabuki play, where the climax unfolds. [Today] The final stage of something; the climax.

Question 32

Sashiganeとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] A prop — a bamboo rod with a butterfly or bird attached, manipulated from behind by a stage assistant. [Today] To manipulate someone behind the scenes. 'It must be his doing.'

Question 33

Sayaateとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] A scene where two samurai's scabbards collide as they pass, sparking a fight — often depicting romantic rivalry. [Today] A love triangle; rivalry over the same person.

Question 34

Senryo yakushaとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] An actor earning a staggering annual salary of 1,000 ryo — an enormous sum in the Edo period. [Today] A star performer; someone who delivers when it counts the most.

Question 35

Sewa-nyoboとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] A devoted wife character in sewamono plays, diligently caring for her husband. [Today] A doting, attentive wife who takes great care of her husband.

Question 36

Shonenbaとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] The crucial scene where an actor must show their true skill — revealing the character's essence. [Today] A crucial moment; the make-or-break point.

Question 37

Shurabaとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] From 'shura-mono' (battle plays) in noh and kabuki, depicting the fierce world of the Buddhist Ashura. [Today] A scene of fierce conflict or chaos. Also used for dramatic personal confrontations. *Note: 元は仏教用語。能の「修羅物」を経て歌舞伎にも取り入れられた

Question 38

Sukeroku-zushiとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] Named after the kabuki play Sukeroku. 'Agemaki' splits into 'age' (fried tofu sushi) and 'maki' (rolled sushi). [Today] An assortment of inari sushi and nori rolls — a staple at supermarkets and convenience stores.

Question 39

Sute-zerifuとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] Lines not in the script — improvised dialogue to fill gaps or ad-libbed exchanges between actors. [Today] A parting shot; a threatening remark made when leaving.

Question 40

Tentekomaiとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] Frantic dancing to the small drum rhythm 'tenteko,' used in festival and theater music. [Today] Frantically busy; in a tizzy. *Note: 歌舞伎に限らず芝居・祭りの囃子全般に由来

Question 41

Tochiruとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] When an actor flubs their lines. At Kabukiza, seats where mistakes are least noticeable (rows 7-8) are called 'tochiri-seki' — prized by connoisseurs. [Today] To mess up; to blunder. 'I flubbed the presentation.' *Note: 語源は「栃の実」説のほか「栃麺棒」説など諸説あり

Question 42

Urakataとは？

Accepted Answer

[In Kabuki] Backstage crew handling sets, props, costumes, and lighting — the unseen workers. [Today] A behind-the-scenes supporter; someone who works out of the spotlight.

由来語 — Kabuki Glossary

📖 由来語 42 terms