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Glite Dictionary
kisaeng

kisaeng

1 9.9
A woman who entertains guests in old Korea by singing, dancing, and sometimes offering romantic or sexual company
  • noun
  • /ˈkiːsɛŋ/
  • NSFW
translation icon : kisaeng
  • In the Joseon Dynasty, a kisaeng was respected for her artistic talents and wit.

Examples

  • Many kisaengs were known for their artistic talents.

  • The story follows a young kisaeng as she navigates the challenges of her profession.

  • Many visitors to the city were captivated by the performances of the famous kisaeng.

  • The kisaeng performed beautifully at the festival.

  • The kisaeng entertained the guests with her beautiful singing and graceful dancing.

  • Many kisaengs were renowned for their artistry and ability to engage in captivating conversation.

  • As a kisaeng, she offered not only musical performances but also companionship to her patrons.

Synonyms

geisha
vskisaeng
45 9.0

A Japanese woman trained to entertain with music, dance, and talk

also includes offering companionship and sometimes sexual services

Surface Forms

kisaeng singular
kisaengs plural

Etymology

Kisaeng comes from old Korean characters 妓 meaning 'female entertainer' and 生 meaning 'person' or 'born'. So kisaeng literally named a 'woman entertainer', which is why it refers to skilled female performers who sang, danced, and kept guests company.