Polite to Stranger
Cultural · Traditional · Arts
能では、主役を「シテ」、相手役を「ワキ」と呼び、それぞれ役割が決まっています。 — In Noh, the main role is called 'shite' and the supporting role is 'waki'—each with defined functions. (Cultural · Traditional · Arts, Polite to Stranger, JLPT N2)
You
能では、主役を「シテ」、相手役を「ワキ」と呼び、それぞれ役割が決まっています。
のうでは、しゅやくを「シテ」、あいてやくを「ワキ」とよび、それぞれやくわりがきまっています。
In Noh, the main role is called 'shite' and the supporting role is 'waki'—each with defined functions.
Romaji: Nou de wa, shuyaku wo 'shite', aiteyaku wo 'waki' to yobi, sorezore yakuwari ga kimatte imasu. / Reply Romaji: Naruhodo. Shite ga itsumo omote wo tsukeru hou desu ka?
Reply
なるほど。シテがいつもお面をつける方ですか？
なるほど。シテがいつもおめんをつけるほうですか？
I see. Is shite the one who always wears the mask?
Gesture & etiquette
If explaining at a theater, gesture toward the stage left (where waki typically enters) and right/center (shite's domain). Speak with quiet dignity—Noh halls expect a contemplative atmosphere. Never gesture broadly inside the theater.
Noh's two principal role categories: 「シテ」 (the doer/main role, often a ghost or god, always masked when supernatural) and 「ワキ」 (the side—a priest or traveler who encounters the Shite, never masked). The Waki acts as a window for the audience, asking questions the Shite then answers in song and dance. Other roles: tsure (companion), kokata (child).