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How to say "woman" in Japanese

じょせい · josei

"Woman" in Japanese is 女性 (josei) in polite speech, or 女の人 (onna no hito) in everyday conversation.

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Ways to say "woman" in Japanese

JapaneseWhen to use it
じょせい · joseiWoman (polite).
おんなのひと · onna no hitoWoman (everyday).
おんな · onnaWoman; female (can sound blunt).

How to use it

(onna) alone can sound rough when referring to someone.

Women's restrooms are marked 女性 or , often in red.

Example sentences

Kanji in this word

Questions

What is 女性専用車?

女性専用車 (josei sen'yōsha) is a women-only train car during rush hours on some lines.

What is the difference between 女性 and 女の人?

女性 (josei) is polite and used at work and in writing. 女の人 (onna no hito) is everyday speech.

Using Japanese at work?

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