2-maime and 3-maime
Today, I will introduce Japanese terms “2-maime” and “3-maime.”
二枚目と三枚目
The literal meanings of “2-maime” and “3-maime” are “a 2nd board” and “a 3rd board,” respectively, but the actual meanings are “a handsome man” and “a clown.”
今日は日本の単語「二枚目」と「三枚目」を紹介します。
The reason is derived from kabuki, which is one of Japanese traditional performing arts.
「二枚目」は「色男」、「三枚目」は「面白い人」を表す言葉です。
In a front of kabuki performing theater, there are eight advertising boards, and actor names are written on them.
この理由は日本の伝統芸能の一つ、歌舞伎に由来します。
Traditionally, a leading actor is written in the first board, a handsome man is written in the second board, and a funny man is written in the third board.
歌舞伎には8枚の看板があり、それぞれに役者名が書かれています。
Nowadays, only “2-maime” and “3-maime” are usually used in our lives.
一枚目には主役、二枚目には色男、三枚目にはお笑い担当です。
