Nihongo

Kanji Detail of 舞

Level:N3 High
Strokes:15
Stroke Order
Related Words
AI Explanation
Basic Meaning

The kanji fundamentally represents "to dance" or "a dance." It conveys the idea of graceful, coordinated movements of the body, often accompanied by music or rhythm. It also includes the broader concept of performing a dance, whether in a ritualistic, artistic, or recreational context.

Readings

・On-yomi (音読み): (bu) ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): ま(う) (mau)

Usage Examples

⚫︎舞踊 Translation: dance; dancing ⚫︎舞う Translation: to dance ⚫︎歌舞伎 Translation: Kabuki (traditional Japanese theater that combines music, drama, and dance)

Origin and Formation

The kanji is a pictograph. It depicts a person performing a dance, with arms outstretched and legs moving. The top portion of the character could represent the head or the movement of the arms. The lower portion may represent the legs in motion. Over time, the character has maintained its core meaning of dance or dancing.

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