geisha
UK[ˈɡeɪʃə]US[ˈɡeɪʃə]
n
a Japanese woman trained to entertain men with conversation, dance, and song
Etymology
The word 'geisha' is a direct loanword from Japanese, entering the English lexicon in the late 19th century. It is formed from the Japanese elements 'gei' (art, performing art) and 'sha' (person, doer), literally translating to "artistic person" or "performing artist." This term originally referred to male and female performers, but its meaning narrowed in English to specifically denote the female entertainers of the traditional Japanese arts. The word's journey into English reflects the cultural fascination and exchange during the Meiji period when Japan reopened to the West.
Analysis
The word is a direct borrowing from Japanese (芸者), composed of 'gei' (芸, meaning "art" or "performance") and 'sha' (者, meaning "person"). It is not segmented in English as it functions as a single, unanalyzed lexical unit.
Examples
The geisha performed a traditional tea ceremony for the guests.
She is studying to become a geisha, mastering the arts of music and dance.
The novel provides a detailed look into the life of a Kyoto geisha.