おば

おば refers to one's own aunt. It is used when speaking about your aunt to others (humble/neutral context).

KANJI FORMS:

• 伯母(おば): aunt who is older than your parent
• 叔母(おば): aunt who is younger than your parent
• In casual writing, おば is often left in hiragana

POLITENESS LEVELS:

• おば: plain form (for your own aunt when speaking to others)
• おばさん: polite form (for someone else's aunt, or general address)
• おばさま: very polite form

CAUTION:
おばさん can also be used as a general term for middle-aged women, which some people find rude. Be careful with context.

RELATED:

• おじ: uncle
• おば: aunt
• 祖母(そぼ)/おばあさん: grandmother (do not confuse おば with おばあさん)