female role; female part
Used in traditional Japanese theater such as kabuki, as well as in drama and other performance contexts. Often contrasted with 男役 (male role).
See also: 男役
She played a female role in kabuki.
In this theater company, male and female roles are clearly separated.
Compound of 娘 (むすめ, 'daughter, young woman') and 役 (やく, 'role, part'). The term is straightforward and transparent.