noun
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
京都で芸妓さんを見かけた。
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.
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.