Translation and Meaning of: 舞う - mau

The Japanese word 「舞う」 (mau) has a rich etymology and is deeply rooted in traditional Japanese culture. The kanji 「舞」 is often associated with dance, symbolizing graceful movements and rituals. This association with dance dates back to ancient times, when rituals and artistic performances played essential roles in religious ceremonies and cultural festivities. The word is often used to describe the graceful movement of something that floats or twirls in the air, such as autumn leaves or flower petals.

The verb 「舞う」 is also associated with other terms and variations that enrich its meaning. For example, 「舞台」 (butai) means "stage" and is the space where dancers and performers showcase their artistic skills. Another derived expression is 「舞妓」 (maiko), which refers to apprentice geishas, known for their traditional Japanese dances. Thus, the verb 「舞う」 transcends its literal translation of "to dance," encompassing broader cultural contexts and implying a connection to art, beauty, and tradition.

The origin of the word 「舞う」in Japan can be traced back to ritual dances performed in Shinto shrines and promotional events in kabuki and noh theaters. In many of these performances, dance was not just a form of entertainment but a way to tell stories, express deep feelings, and even communicate with the divine. Such dances were often accompanied by ceremonial music, creating a rich and immersive experience for the audience.

Significant Features and Uses

• Spiritual Sense: In Shinto and Buddhist ceremonies, ritual dances, known as 「神楽」 (kagura), use the verb 「舞う」 to describe the movements that aim to entertain and appease the gods.
• Literary Influence: In literature, 「舞う」 is used to describe scenes that require visual beauty and grace, often in haiku poems or in narratives that highlight natural and elegant movement.
• Modern use: Although traditional, the use of 「舞う」 has adapted to modern contexts, being able to describe everything from modern ballet to contemporary artistic expressions.

In summary, 「舞う」 encapsulates a cultural richness that goes beyond its basic meaning. It is a word that carries with it the history of a nation and the artistic traditions that have emerged over the centuries. Today, it continues to be used to describe elegant and inspiring movements, keeping alive the connection with the past while adapting to modern artistic expressions.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 舞う

• 舞う - basic form
• 舞い - Form Te
• 舞え - imperative form
• 舞うた - past form

Synonyms and similar words

• 舞い踊る (mai odoru) - Dance joyfully and lively.
• 舞い上がる (mai agaru) - In the context of dancing, it means "to rise dancing" or "to erupt in dance."
• 舞い降りる (mai oriru) - Descending while dancing or lightly, like a gentle dance when going down.
• 舞い散る (mai chiru) - Dancing and spreading in the air, like falling leaves.
• 舞い落ちる (mai ochiru) - Falling while dancing, like a dance that ends in a fall.
• 舞い戻る (mai modoru) - Return dancing to a previous location.
• 舞い狂う (mai kuruu) - Dance in a frantic, crazed way.
• 舞い込む (mai komu) - Enter dancing, like an invitation to dance.
• 舞い込める (mai komeru) - Ability to enter dancing; it can have a more figurative tone.
• 舞い込ませる (mai komaseru) - Allow or force someone to enter dancing.

舞う

Romaji: mau
Kana: まう
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: to dance; shake

Meaning in English: to dance;to flutter about;to revolve

Definition: The movement of objects floating or swaying in the wind or water.

Example Sentences - (舞う) mau

See below some example sentences:

落ち葉が風に舞う。

Ochiba ga kaze ni mau

Fallen leaves dance in the wind.

Fallen leaves dance in the wind.

• 落ち葉 - fallen leaves
• が - subject particle
• 風 - wind
• に - Location particle
• 舞う - dance, spin

風に舞う花びらが美しいです。

Kaze ni mau hanabira ga utsukushii desu

The petals dancing in the wind are beautiful.

The petals dancing in the wind are beautiful.

• 風に舞う - meaning "dancing in the wind", is an expression that describes the action of flower petals being carried by the wind.
• 花びら - means "flower petals".
• が - is a grammatical particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "flower petals".
• 美しい - means "beautiful".
• です - is a grammatical particle that indicates the end of a sentence and is also used to indicate respect or formality.

彼女は病気の友人を見舞うために病院に行きました。

Kanojo wa byouki no yuujin wo mimau tame ni byouin ni ikimashita

She went to the hospital to visit a sick friend.

She went to the hospital to see her sick friend.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 病気 (byouki) - disease
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 友人 (yuujin) - amigo/amiga
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 見舞う (mimau) - visit (someone who is ill)
• ために (tameni) - for
• 病院 (byouin) - hospital
• に (ni) - Location particle
• 行きました (ikimashita) - foi (past tense of ir)

彼女は仕舞う前に部屋を片付けた。

Kanojo wa shimau mae ni heya wo katazuketa

She tidied up the room before finishing.

She cleaned the room before the end.

• 彼女 - she
• は - Topic particle
• 仕舞う - tidy, store
• 前に - before
• 部屋 - Room, living room
• を - direct object particle
• 片付けた - tidied up, organized

彼女は優雅に振舞う。

Kanojo wa yūga ni furumau

She behaves elegantly.

She behaves gracefully.

• 彼女 - she
• は - Topic particle
• 優雅に - elegantemente
• 振舞う - comportar-se

レディーとして振る舞いましょう。

Redii to shite furumai mashou

Let's behave like a lady.

• レディー (Redii) - "lady" means "女性" in Japanese.
• として (toshite) - means "as" or "as" in Japanese
• 振る舞い (furumai) - means "behavior" or "way of acting" in Japanese
• ましょう (mashou) - is a suffix that indicates a suggestion or invitation to do something in Japanese