1.
(female) nurse
A traditional term for a female nurse. Note: This term is now considered dated; the gender-neutral term 看護師 is now the standard professional title.
看護婦さんが注射をしてくれた。
The nurse gave me an injection.
姉は病院で看護婦として働いています。
My older sister works as a nurse at a hospital.
看護婦さんを呼んでください。
Please call the nurse.
看護婦 is a traditional term specifically for a female nurse. The kanji 婦 means 'woman.'
MODERN USAGE:
Since 2002, the official professional title was unified to 看護師 (gender-neutral 'nurse'). 看護婦 is now considered dated but still appears in:
- Older books and media
- Casual conversation, especially among older speakers
- Historical contexts
RELATED TERMS:
- 看護師: nurse (current official term, gender-neutral)
- 看護士: male nurse (old term, also replaced by 看護師)
- 准看護師: licensed practical nurse
- 看護: nursing (the act of caring for patients)
NOTE:
The suffix さん is typically added when addressing or referring to nurses: 看護婦さん, 看護師さん.