道化・道外|どうけdouke[3]odaka (tail-high)

1. nounantics; buffoonery; clowning
2. nounclown; jester
   道化どうけの妙技みょうぎは少年しょうねん達たちにとってとても楽たのしかった。↗

   The clown's stunts were highly amusing to the boys.

• Synonym道化師どうけしNeutralA person who amuses with comic antics, like a circus clown; also anyone playing a comic role. 「道化」 covers the antics themselves, not just the person.
• RelatedギャグCasualA loanword for comic bits and gags worked into a performance; common in colloquial speech.
• RelatedジョークCasualColloquial loanword for jokes; centers on what is said, while 「道化」 also covers comic behavior.
• Related洒落しゃれNeutralCovers witty remarks and puns; also means being stylish, as in 「お洒落」.
• Related道化役者どうけやくしゃNeutralA stage actor who plays comic roles; stresses the clown figure in drama and theater.
• Related道化者どうけものNeutralSomeone who loves making people laugh; stresses the trait or behavior, not necessarily a profession.
• RelatedおどけNeutralHumorous words and acts done to get laughs; a native Japanese word that stresses the joking antics.
• Relatedお笑い芸人おわらいげいにんNeutralModern showbiz term for professional comedians. Refers only to people, while 「道化」 also covers the comic acts themselves.
• Related諧謔かいぎゃくWrittenA written, formal word for humor; stresses clever wit, while 「道化」 also covers comic behavior.
• Related戯あじゃらWrittenAn archaic word for jesting and tomfoolery, very rarely used; unlike 「道化」, it does not extend to comic behavior as a role or to a person.
• Antonym真面目まじめNeutralThe antonym: serious and earnest, standing opposite the comic antics of 「道化」.

Use 「道化」 for amusing people with comic antics or for a clown, as in 「道化を演じる」. For the person: 「道化師」 a clown, 「道化役者」 a stage comic actor, 「道化者」 a joker by nature, 「お笑い芸人」 a professional comedian. For jokes: colloquial 「ギャグ」 and 「ジョーク」, written 「諧謔」, archaic 「戯」; 「洒落」 covers puns and style. The antonym is 「真面目」.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. 滑稽こっけいな身振みぶり・言葉ことばで人ひとを笑わらわせること。また、それをする人ひと。道化師どうけし。