Translation and Meaning of: 婦人 - fujin

The word 「婦人」 (fujin) is a Japanese expression that generally refers to a woman, especially in more formal or respectful contexts. In Japan, this term is often used to describe a married woman or, in certain situations, to indicate ladies of a certain age and dignity. The nuances of meaning of 「婦人」 vary depending on the context, but they typically carry a tone of respect and formality.

Etymologically, 「婦人」 is composed of two kanji characters: 「婦」 and 「人」. The kanji 「婦」 (fu) is commonly associated with wife or woman and incorporates the radical 「女」 (onna), which means woman, emphasizing the female gender. The kanji 「人」 (jin) means person or human being. Together, these kanjis form a term that can literally be translated as "woman person" or "person who is a woman," but culturally translates to "lady" or "madam."

The origin of the use of 「婦人」 is rich and can be traced back to the historical traditions and social structures of Japan, where the role and representation of women have undergone significant transformations over the centuries. Since ancient times, women in Japan have played central roles in both the family and society, and this is reflected in the language with words like 「婦人」, which encapsulates these formal and historical aspects. This word also finds a specific place in contexts such as "婦人服" (fujinfuku) which means women's clothing, exemplifying how the term remains relevant and adaptable to the present day.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 女性 (Josei) - Woman, often used to refer to women in general.
• 女人 (Nyonin) - Woman, with a focus more on gender.
• 女子 (Joshi) - Girl or young woman; with connotations of youth.
• 女性人 (Joseijin) - Individual of the female gender can become more formal.
• 女方 (Onna-hō) - Reference to women in a context of relationship or opposition.
• 婦女 (Fujon) - Women (usually in a more formal or traditional context).
• 婦人類 (Fujinrui) - Type of woman, related to a group.
• 婦女子 (Fujoshi) - Women and girls, emphasizing the feminine gender.
• 婦女性 (Fujosei) - Women considered in a more mature or parental context.
• 女性類 (Joseirui) - Category of women; women as a group.
• 女人類 (Nyoninrui) - Group of women, emphasis on feminine identity.
• 女子類 (Joshirui) - Group of girls, connotation of youth.
• 女子人 (Joshijin) - Young female individual.
• 女子性 (Joshisei) - Gender identity or feminine characteristics in youth.
• 女子方 (Joshihō) - Reference to young women in a certain position or role.
• 女方人 (Onnahōjin) - Individual who represents or identifies with women.
• 女方性 (Onnahōsei) - Feminine characteristics in a gender context.
• 女方類 (Onnahōrui) - Category related to women in a specific context.