How to say "clown" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- nounThe loanword for a circus clown: a performer in face paint and a colorful costume who entertains an audience with slapstick, as at a circus or a children's party.
- 道化どうけnounCovers clown as jester or fool: a figure who amuses a ruler or audience with jokes and antics, as at a court or in a play; also used of a person playing the fool.
Use 「ピエロ」 for a circus or party clown in face paint and costume; 道化 covers the jester or fool sense, as at a court or in a play, or a person who plays the fool.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
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