Translation guide
The English word "lady" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers how to express each in natural Japanese, from polite terms for women to formal titles and set phrases.
To refer to a woman politely, similar to "lady" in "a nice lady" or "ladies and gentlemen".
The standard polite word for 'woman' or 'lady'. Used in formal and neutral contexts.
あの女性はとても親切です。
That lady is very kind.
女性用トイレはあちらです。
The ladies' restroom is over there.
A somewhat formal term for 'lady' or 'woman', often used in set phrases like 'ladies' clothing' or 'ladies' room'.
婦人服売り場は3階です。
The ladies' clothing department is on the 3rd floor.
Loanword from English, used in specific contexts like 'ladies first' or 'office lady'. Not a general term for 'woman'.
レディースデーは水曜日です。
Ladies' Day is on Wednesday.
To describe a woman who is elegant, well-mannered, or of noble birth.
A 'lady' in the sense of a refined, well-bred woman. Often used in formal or literary contexts.
彼女は真の淑女だ。
She is a true lady.
A 'lady' of noble or high social standing. More aristocratic than 淑女.
Used in the sense of 'lady' as a title or in phrases like 'first lady', but not for general description.
ファーストレディが来日した。
The First Lady visited Japan.
To translate the British title 'Lady' before a name.
The title is usually kept as the loanword レディ followed by the name. No direct Japanese equivalent exists.
レディ・ダイアナは多くの人に愛された。
Lady Diana was loved by many.
For the wife of a lord or nobleman, 夫人 (ふじん) can be used, but it's more like 'Lady' as in 'the lady of the house'.
スペンサー伯爵夫人
Countess Spencer (literally 'Lady Spencer')
To address a woman affectionately or informally, like 'my lady' or 'hey lady'.
Japanese does not use 'lady' as a direct address. Use the person's name with さん, or a role title.
田中さん、お茶はいかがですか？
Would you like some tea, my lady? (if addressing Tanaka)
Can be used to address a young woman politely, similar to 'young lady', but can sound patronizing if used inappropriately.
お嬢さん、お待ちください。
Young lady, please wait.
Used to address a married woman politely, like 'madam' or 'lady of the house'. Not a general 'lady'.
To translate common English phrases containing 'lady'.
Standard term for 'ladies' restroom'.
女性用トイレはどこですか？
Where is the ladies' room?
The loanword for 'ladies first'.
彼はいつもレディーファーストだ。
He always practices ladies first.
Term for 'ladies' clothing' in department stores.
In English, 'lady' can be used to address a woman directly ('Excuse me, lady'), but in Japanese, this sounds rude or unnatural. Use すみません (excuse me) alone, or address by name/title if known.
女性 (じょせい) is the most common and neutral word for 'woman/lady'. 婦人 (ふじん) is more formal and often used in compounds like 婦人服 (ladies' clothing). レディー is a loanword used in specific phrases like レディーファースト (ladies first) or オフィスレディー (office lady).
その貴婦人は慈善活動で知られている。
The lady is known for her charity work.
奥様、お荷物をお持ちしましょう。
Madam, let me carry your bags.
婦人服売り場はどこですか？
Where is the ladies' clothing section?