Translation and Meaning of: 少女 - otome

On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 少女 (otome) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.

Romaji: otome

Kana: おとめ

Type: noun

L: jlpt-n3, jlpt-n1

少女

Translation / Meaning: daughter; young lady; virgin; maiden; little girl

Meaning in English: daughter;young lady;virgin;maiden;little girl

Definition: young woman.

Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases

Explanation and Etymology - (少女) otome

Etymology and Origin

The word 「少女」 ("otome") is composed of the Kanji 「少」 and 「女」, which when combined mean "young woman" or "maiden" in Japanese. The Kanji 「少」 (shou) carries the meaning of "few" or "young," while 「女」 (jo) means "woman." When united, they convey the idea of a young woman or girl, often in the context of innocence and youth. Historically, the term has evolved to encompass more than just an age description, but also to denote virtues associated with this stage of life.

The origin of the use of the word 「少女」 dates back to literary works and cultural traditions that valued the concept of youth and purity. In feudal Japan, the term could be used to describe maidens in poetic compositions or in art, reflecting the idealization of this stage of life. Furthermore, "otome" carries significant cultural weight, having been widely used in various forms of art, such as theater and literature, to describe characters that embody these qualities.

Variations and Contemporary Use

In modern usage, 「少女」 ("otome") frequently appears in Japanese pop culture, especially in anime and manga, where it is used to describe female characters who are young and often possess qualities such as courage, determination, and innocence. Furthermore, the term is also associated with "otome games," a genre of video games primarily aimed at a female audience, where the narrative revolves around romantic or friendship stories.

In literature, 「少女」 can describe main characters, exploring themes of growth and self-discovery.
In music, the term is used as a theme in lyrics that capture the essence of youth and the emotional experiences of that phase.
In the social context, the word can be used to mark specific phases of a young woman's life, especially as she transitions into adulthood.

It is interesting to note that despite cultural changes over time, the essence of the meaning of 「少女」 remains relevant and significant, continuing to evoke images of youth, potential, and the beauty of personal growth.

Synonyms and similar words

乙女 (Otome) - Girl, young woman, often associated with an ideal of purity and innocence.
女の子 (Onnanoko) - Girl, a generic term used to refer to a child of the female sex.
少女像 (Shōjo-zō) - Image or representation of a teenager, often in an artistic context.
少女期 (Shōjo-ki) - Period of youth, usually related to girls in their teenage years.
少女漫画 (Shōjo manga) - Manga aimed at the young female audience, focusing on romances and relationships.
少女小説 (Shōjo shōsetsu) - Literary romances targeted at young women, with themes similar to shōjo manga.
少女マンガ (Shōjo manga) - Another way to refer to manga for teenage girls, focused on emotions.
少女アニメ (Shōjo anime) - Animations aimed at the young female audience, often adapted from shōjo manga.
少女ゲーム (Shōjo gēmu) - Games aimed at young female audiences, usually focused on love stories and social interactions.
少女ポップス (Shōjo poppusu) - Pop music genre aimed at girls and teenagers, dealing with themes of love and friendship.
少女ファッション (Shōjo fasshon) - Fashion styles aimed at young female audiences, often influenced by shōjo trends.
少女心 (Shōjo-gokoro) - Typical feelings and emotions of a young woman, often idealized and romantic.
少女趣味 (Shōjo shumi) - Interests and hobbies associated with the young female audience, such as art, fashion, and relationships.
少女文学 (Shōjo bungaku) - Literature focused on the experiences and feelings of girls and young women.
少女映画 (Shōjo eiga) - Films aimed at a young female audience, featuring stories that explore emotional and romantic themes.
少女雑誌 (Shōjo zasshi) - Magazines aimed at young women cover fashion, beauty, relationships, and pop culture.
少女向け (Shōjo-muke) - Targeted towards girls and young women, it may refer to products or content aimed at this audience.
少女向けアニメ (Shōjo-muke anime) - Animations specifically aimed at girls and young women, often with romantic themes.
少女向けゲーム (Shōjo-muke gēmu) - Games designed for young women, focusing on stories and characters that resonate with this audience.
少女向け小説 (Shōjo-muke shōsetsu) - Romances written with the intention of attracting young women, addressing their experiences and feelings.
少女向け漫画 (Shōjo-muke manga) - Mangas aimed at girls and young women, with themes focusing on relationships and emotions.
少女向け雑誌 (Shōjo-muke zasshi) - Magazines created especially for young women, covering topics such as fashion, culture, and relationships.