半はん玉ぎょく

noun

geisha apprentice; young geisha

Refers to a young geisha in training, especially in Kyoto. The term is specific to traditional geisha districts. Compare with 舞子 (maiko), which is the more common term for apprentice geisha in Kyoto.

See also: 一本 · 舞妓

• 京きょう都との花か街がいでは、半はん玉ぎょくがお座ざ敷しきで芸げいを披ひ露ろうすることもある。

  In the geisha districts of Kyoto, apprentice geisha sometimes perform arts at banquets.