This site will be taken down March 31st, 2026.

This was not an easy decision to make. For the last couple years, I have been struggling to find motivation for this site and to keep up with basic maintenance and security updates. With the rise of AI and more sophisticated tools, the usefulness of sites like this is questionable and traffic has nose-dived. I just don't have it in me to keep doing this. Thank you all for 10 years of support!

Zach

太夫

大夫

Reading

Kana: たゆう
Romaji: tayuu
Kana
Romaji

Definitions

1

high-ranking Noh actor

See also: 能太夫
2

head of a school of noh performance

3

high ranking courtesan (esp. in Yoshiwara) (Edo-period)

4

joruri narrator; manzai narrator

See also: 浄瑠璃 万歳 (reading まんざい)
5

female role actor in kabuki

See also: 女形
6

low ranking priest in a Shinto shrine

See also: 御師
7

lord steward (formerly the fifth court rank)

Note: Only 太夫

Kanji

Readings: タイ、 タ、 ふと.い、 ふと.る
Meanings: plump, thick, big around
Readings: フ、 フウ、 ブ、 おっと、 それ
Meanings: husband, man
Readings: ダイ、 タイ、 おお-、 おお.きい、 -おお.いに
Meanings: large, big