A traditional Japanese female entertainer skilled in classical music, dance, and conversation. Synonymous with 芸子 (geiko) in some regions, especially Kyoto.
See also: 芸子
I saw a geisha in Kyoto.
彼女は芸妓になるために厳しい修行を積んだ。
She underwent rigorous training to become a geisha.
Often used interchangeably with 芸妓, but 芸子 is more common in the Kyoto area. The reading げいこ is also an irregular reading for 芸妓.
An apprentice geisha, typically younger and wearing more elaborate kimono and hair ornaments.
Standard kanji form; the reading げいぎ is the most common.
Irregular kanji usage; not standard.
Irregular kanji usage; not standard.
From Chinese-derived kanji 芸 (art, performance) and 妓 (female entertainer). The word has been used in Japanese since the Edo period to refer to professional female entertainers.