Maiko
/ˈmaɪ.koʊ/noun
A young apprentice geisha in Japan.
Did you know?Maiko is a Japanese term formed from kanji meaning “dance” and “child,” so the word itself points to an apprentice whose identity is built through performance and discipline.
Etymological Timeline
Japanese
Japanese
舞妓
“A dancing girl; an apprentice geisha”
Modern English
English
maiko
“A young apprentice geisha in Japan”
Edo period
Japanese
舞い子
“Literally “dance child,” referring to a girl training in performance”
Kanji formation
Japanese
舞 + 妓
“Dance + performer; a term for a female entertainer”