Japanese Conversation · Level 8
90 words
Japanese word
マダム
Pronunciation
Romajimadamu
Meaning
- nounlady
Example
この店はマダムに人気です。ko no mise wa ma da mu ni nin ki de su
This shop is popular with ladies.
More examples
近所のマダムから料理を教わりました。kin jo no ma da mu ka ra ryō ri o oso wa ri ma shi ta
I was taught how to cook by a lady in my neighborhood.
Core concept
Refers to an adult woman, especially in a polite, respectful, or socially formal context.
Common phrases
マダムに好評ma da mu ni kō hyō
well received by ladies
マダムに声をかけるma da mu ni koe o ka ke ru
speak to a lady
Similar words
女性josei: A female person described in neutral terms without implying age, status, or formality.
婦人fujin: An adult woman referred to in formal or official language.
おばさんobasan: A familiar term for an adult woman, often suggesting middle age or social distance.
Definition in Japanese
成人した女性を指す語。文脈によって、婦人や既婚女性、女性客を表す。sei jin shi ta jo sei o sa su go bun myaku ni yo tte fu jin ya ki kon jo sei jo sei kyaku o arawa su
Word origin
マダム (madamu) is a loanword from French madame, which combines ma, "my," with dame, "lady."
Usage tips
- The English word madam often appears in polite forms of address, but Japanese マダム (madamu) can describe the woman herself rather than address her directly.
Other meanings
- madamnoun
- housewifenoun