Meaning
The kanji 舞 (mai/bu) primarily means "dance," "to flutter," "to whirl," or "to brandish." It describes movements that are often graceful, flowing, or rhythmic, whether performed by a person or by objects like leaves, snow, or dust. While its most direct translation is "dance," 舞 extends to any light, airy, or circular movement, such as a flag flapping in the wind or dust particles swirling.
Historically, 舞 is thought to be an ideograph or pictograph depicting a person performing a dance. The top part (𠁠, a stylized form often linked to 舛 'to step out of line' or simply representing a person) depicts the body or head. The two '羽' (feathers/wings) components on the sides are believed to symbolize long, flowing sleeves or ornamental feathers worn by dancers, emphasizing sweeping and elegant movements. The bottom part (止) originally depicted a foot, indicating movement or stepping. Together, these elements visually combine a person, elaborate attire, and foot movement—all central to the act of dancing. This structure beautifully conveys its core meaning of expressive, often elaborate, motion.
This kanji has 15 strokes and is considered a Joyo Kanji, typically introduced in secondary school (Grade 8 equivalent in some grading systems).
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The On'yomi (Chinese-derived reading) for 舞 is ブ (bu). You'll typically find this reading in compound words, especially those related to formal dance, performance arts, or the stage. It often carries a more formal or collective sense.
- 舞踏 (butou) — dance, ballet. Refers to a formal or artistic dance performance, such as ballet or ballroom dancing.
Example: 舞踏会 (butoukai) — dance ball.
- 舞台 (butai) — stage, setting. The physical platform where performances take place.
Example: 舞台役者 (butai yakusha) — stage actor.
- 舞曲 (bukyoku) — dance music, a dance tune. Music specifically composed for dancing, like a waltz or minuet.
Example: 古典舞曲 (koten bukyoku) — classical dance music.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The Kun'yomi (native Japanese readings) for 舞 are ま.う (ma.u) and ま.い (ma.i). These readings appear when the kanji stands alone, usually as a verb or noun, and typically describe more natural, spontaneous, or traditional movements and dances.
- 舞う (mau) — to dance, to flutter, to whirl. This intransitive verb describes movement by both humans and non-humans, such as dancing, fluttering, or whirling.
Example: 雪が舞う (yuki ga mau) — snow flutters.
Example: 風に舞う (kaze ni mau) — to dance in the wind.
- 舞い (mai) — dance, traditional Japanese dance performance (as a noun), or the stem of various compound verbs. This noun refers to dance (especially traditional Japanese dance performances) or functions as the stem of various compound verbs.
Example: 神楽舞 (kaguramai) — Kagura dance (sacred Shinto dance).
Example: 舞い上がる (maiagaru) — to soar, to fly up.
Example: 舞い降りる (maioriru) — to alight, to land.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 舞 appears in many words, frequently relating to performance, movement, and natural phenomena. Below are some common examples, organized by theme:
Dance & Performance Arts
- 舞踊 (buyou) — dance (general term for artistic dance, often formal or traditional).
- 歌舞伎 (kabuki) — Kabuki (a traditional Japanese theatrical art combining song, dance, and drama).
- 舞姫 (maihime) — dancer (especially a female dancer), ballerina, dancing princess.
- 日本舞踊 (nihon buyou) — Japanese classical dance.
- 共舞 (kyoubu) — dancing together, partner dance.
Movement & Fluttering
- 舞う (mau) — to dance, to flutter, to whirl (intransitive verb). This is a fundamental word, representing the core verb form.
- 舞い上がる (maiagaru) — to soar, to fly up, to get excited. Describes upward, swirling motion.
- 舞い降りる (maioriru) — to alight, to land (gracefully or gently). Describes downward, settling motion.
- 舞い散る (maichiru) — to fall scattering (e.g., cherry blossoms, leaves).
- 風塵を舞う (fuujin o mau) — to kick up dust and wind, to cause a commotion.
Figurative & Other Uses
- 乱舞 (ranbu) — wild dancing, frenzied dance.
- 剣舞 (kenbu) — sword dance.
- 舞妓 (maiko) — apprentice geisha (literally "dancing child"), known for their traditional dances.
- 舞の海 (Mainoumi) — a former sumo wrestler's ring name. It shows how 舞 can appear in proper nouns, often evoking agility or grace.
Example Sentences
彼女は優雅に舞うダンサーです。
Kanojo wa yuuga ni mau dansaa desu.
She is a graceful dancer.
桜の花びらが風に舞いました。
Sakura no hanabira ga kaze ni maimashita.
Cherry blossom petals fluttered in the wind.
舞台で彼の舞踏は観客を魅了した。
Butai de kare no butou wa kankyaku o miryou shita.
His dance performance on stage captivated the audience.
雪が舞い落ちる景色はとても美しかった。
Yuki ga mai ochiru keshiki wa totemo utsukashikatta.
The sight of snow fluttering down was truly beautiful.
その歌舞伎役者の舞は伝統の美を表現していた。
Sono kabuki yakusha no mai wa dentou no bi o hyougen shiteita.
That Kabuki actor's dance expressed traditional beauty.
風に舞い上がる凧を子供達が追いかけていた。
Kaze ni maiagaru tako o kodomotachi ga oikaketeita.
The children were chasing kites soaring in the wind.
彼女は日本舞踊を習い、優雅な舞を披露した。
Kanojo wa nihon buyou o narai, yuuga na mai o hirou shita.
She learned Japanese classical dance and performed a graceful dance.
スポーツカーが砂煙を舞い上げながら駆け抜けていった。
Supōtsukā ga sunakemuri o maiagenagara kakenuketeitta.
The sports car sped past, kicking up a cloud of dust.
秋の風に紅葉が舞い、地面を彩った。
Aki no kaze ni kouyou ga mai, jimen o irodotta.
Autumn leaves danced in the wind, coloring the ground.
Memory Tip
To remember 舞, visualize a dancer. The upper part, 𠁠, can be seen as a person with outstretched arms or a head. The two '羽' (feathers or wings) on either side evoke flowing sleeves or ornamental feathers, fluttering during a graceful dance. The bottom part, 止, represents a foot, grounding the dancer's movements. Imagine a person with elaborate, flowing sleeves dancing with their feet. This visual story of a graceful dancer helps connect the kanji's elements to its core meaning of "dance" and "fluttering movement."