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狂言回し (きょうげんまわし) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Freq. Frequency Top 100,000 Meanings 1
noun
supporting but indispensable role ; major supporting role
Originally a kabuki term for a character who moves the plot forward while appearing secondary; now used broadly for a person or element that is not the main focus but is essential to the story or outcome.
この 事じ 件けん の 狂きょう 言げん 回まわ し は 、 意い 外がい な 人じん 物ぶつ だっ た 。
The unexpected person turned out to be the one pulling the strings behind this incident.
Written forms 狂きょう 言げん 回まわ し
狂きょう 言げん 廻まわ し
Variant using 廻 instead of 回; less common but valid.
Similar words 脇わき 役やく 脇役 is a straightforward supporting role, while 狂言回し emphasizes the function of advancing the plot or being indispensable despite appearing secondary.
黒くろ 幕まく 黒幕 is a hidden mastermind, often with negative connotations; 狂言回し can be a more neutral or even positive facilitator.
Etymology From kabuki theater: 狂言 (play, performance) + 回し (turning, managing). Originally referred to a character who narrates or connects scenes, later extended to any indispensable supporting role.
