They are distinctively characterized by the kimono and the oshiroi makeup they wear. Contrary to popular belief, geisha are not the Eastern equivalent of a prostitute - a misconception originating in the West due to foreign interactions with oiran courtesans and other sex workers, whose appearance had been similar to that of geisha. The most literal translation of "geisha" in the English language would be "artist", "performing artist" or "artisan". Another regional term for geisha with a slightly different meaning is " geiko ", a term used to describe geisha in Western Japan, including Kyoto and Kanazawa. This term directly translates as "woman of art", and is part of the Kyoto dialect spoken by geisha in Kyoto and Western Japan.