仕舞

Japanese

Kanji in this term
仕	舞
し Grade: 3	まい Grade: S
kan’on	kun’yomi

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): [ɕima̠i]

Etymology 1

Attested from at least the 15th century. Superficially of 仕(し) (shi, “do”) + 舞(まい) (mai, “dance”). Compare 舞(ま)う (mau, “to dance”). (This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Noun

仕(し)舞(まい) • (shimai) 

1. (noh) a performance of noh dancing
2. (noh) [from 16th century] an informal noh performance without accompanying music or costumes

Usage notes

An informal 仕舞 performance is usually performed by one, or occasionally two persons. Such performances often consist of extracts from larger pieces, but some are short pieces performed in their entirety. The performers do not wear masks or typical noh costumes, instead wearing kimono.

See also

• 能(のう) (nō, “noh”)
• 舞(まい)囃(ばや)子(し) (maibayashi, “informal noh performance with music”)
• 小(こ)舞(まい) (komai, “informal kyogen performance”)

Etymology 2

See しまい.

Noun

仕(し)舞(まい) • (shimai) 

1. Alternative form of しまい (“the end, finish”)
   • 1891, “Ko ran: shiro tsuyu”, in Jogaku Zasshi, volume 306, page 773:

     それからペアを恵(めぐ)み玉(たま)へ、イエスの名(な)によりて、アーメン、…サア御(お)仕(し)舞(まい)です。

     Sore kara pea o megumi tama e, Iesu no na ni yorite, āmen,… sā o-shimai desu.

     Then the pair says grace for the gifts, in Jesus’ name, Amen... and, that’s the end.