Dance in Japanese
"dance" in Japanese, with the kanji that carry the meaning.
ダンス
ダンス
3 Japanese kanji carry the meaning "dance". The most common choice is shown first.
Which one to use
舞 is dance in the classical and ceremonial sense — the slow turning dance of noh. 踊 is dance as movement and festivity, the dance of Bon Odori. 躍 is to leap. Japanese separates the dance that turns from the dance that jumps.
Top pick
dance, flit, circle, wheel
Reading: bu
15 strokes · beautiful, dynamic
Where it comes from
Composed of contrary and nothing. Dancing contrary.
What it carries
Dance, dancing, perform. Represents dance.
Related kanji for "dance"
dance
you · beautiful, dynamic
Combines 'foot' (足) with 'tube' (甬), depicting the motion of raising and lowering feet in jumping. Indicates bodily expression through movement.
dance
yaku · beautiful, dynamic
Composed of foot and phonetic. Foot leaping.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Japanese kanji for dance?
The most common kanji for "dance" is 舞, read as bu. It means dance, flit, circle. Related kanji: 踊 (dance), 躍 (dance).
How many strokes does 舞 have?
舞 has 15 strokes.