Translation and Meaning of: 娘 - musume

The Japanese word 「娘」 (musume) has a primary meaning of "daughter." The kanji 娘 is composed of two main radicals: the radical for woman 「女」(onna) which suggests female gender, and a part derived from 「良」(ryo), which means good or pleasant. This composition suggests the idea of a "good daughter" or "woman of virtues," reflecting a perspective of social and familial values in Japanese culture. This construction of the kanji hints at not only the genetic bond but also the social and cultural aspects employed in female education.

In addition to referring to a biological daughter, the expression 「娘」 can also be used in a more casual or colloquial context to talk about a young woman or girl. It is common, for example, to hear Japanese parents refer to their daughters affectionately as 「うちの娘」 (uchi no musume), which literally means "my daughter" or "the daughter of our house." This way of speaking highlights the unity and intimacy that has traditionally been valued in Japanese society.

There are, however, nuances in the use of this expression in different contexts. In older or more formal narratives, 「娘」 can refer to a young unmarried woman, distinguished from 「妻」 (tsuma, wife) or 「母」 (haha, mother). This distinction reflects the changes and progress in the role of women within Japanese society over the centuries. In dramas and anime, for example, you may find the use of 「娘」 in contexts that emphasize the innocence or youth of a female character.

Variações e Usos

• "娘さん" (musume-san): A more respectful or polite way to refer to someone's daughter.
• "お嬢さん" (o-jou-san): A more formal or elegant expression that can refer both to a daughter and to a young lady.
• 「孫娘」(magomusume): Referring to a granddaughter, combining the kanji for "grandchild" and "daughter."

As time goes by, the Japanese language continues to evolve, but the word 「娘」 retains its significant place in family and social communication. By understanding its roots and variations, we can better appreciate the nuances of Japanese culture and the importance of family ties within it.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 娘娘 (musume musume) - Daughter, usually used to refer to a daughter in a more formal or respectful context.
• お嬢さん (ojōsan) - Young girl, often used to refer to someone else's daughter, with a respectful tone.
• 令嬢 (rejō) - Daughter of an aristocratic or wealthy family, with a sense of respectability and formality.
• じょうさん (jōsan) - A more colloquial way to refer to a young girl or young lady, similar to お嬢さん, but less formal.
• 娘子 (nyōshi) - Daughter or young woman, often used in historical or literary contexts.
• 娘っこ (musume-kko) - Term of endearment for a girl or daughter, with an affectionate tone.
• こども (kodomo) - Child, which can refer to girls or boys in general.
• 女の子 (onna no ko) - Girl, a simple and direct term to refer to a female child.
• 女子 (joshi) - Woman or girl, often used in school or sports contexts.
• 娘さん (musume-san) - Daughter, with a more respectful tone, often used to refer to someone else's daughter.
• お嬢ちゃん (ojōchan) - Term of endearment for a girl, a diminutive of お嬢さん.
• お嬢様 (ojōsama) - Respectful expression used to refer to a young woman of high class.
• じょうちゃん (jōchan) - A loving way to refer to a girl or young woman; an informal diminutive.
• じょう様 (jōsama) - Highly respectful way to refer to a young woman or woman.
• お嬢 (ojō) - A shortened and informal form of お嬢様, used respectfully.
• 乙女 (otome) - Young woman, often associated with an image of purity or innocence.
• 少女 (shōjo) - Young girl, often referring to teenagers or girls in the growth phase.
• 女児 (joji) - Girl, a more formal and technical term, often used in documents or reports.
• 女子供 (joshi-kodomo) - Female children, a broader way to refer to girls.
• 女子児童 (joshi jidō) - School-aged girls, used in educational contexts.
• 女子小学生 (joshi shōgakusei) - Girls in elementary school.
• 女子中学生 (joshi chūgakusei) - High school girls.
• 女子高校生 (joshi kōkōsei) - High school girls.
• 女子大学生 (joshi daigakusei) - Female university students.
• 女性 (josei) - Woman, a general term used to refer to adult females.
• 女 (onna) - Woman, a simpler and more direct way to refer to women in general.
• 女子人 (joshijin) - Women, emphasizing feminine identity in a more inclusive way.
• 女子者 (joshi mono) - Women or girls, in a more formal or philosophical context.