OL

おーえる
noun
female office worker
informalbusinessoccupationbusiness
1. female office worker
A woman who works in an office, typically in clerical or administrative roles. From 'office lady', a Japanese-English term.
OLとして働(はたら)いている。
I work as a female office worker.
近(ちか)くのOLたちが昼食(ちゅうしょく)に来(く)る。
Female office workers from nearby come here for lunch.
OL向(む)けの雑誌(ざっし)が売(う)れている。
Magazines targeted at female office workers are selling well.

Etymology

Abbreviation of 'office lady', a 和製英語(わせいえいご) (Japanese-made English) term. Not used in English-speaking countries.

Cultural note

While still common, some consider OL dated or gender-stereotyping. More neutral terms like 会社員(かいしゃいん) (company employee) are often preferred in formal contexts.

Usage

Commonly used in:

  • Marketing and advertising
  • Fashion and lifestyle media
  • Casual conversation

Related words

Related Words

Related: サラリーマン (male office worker)
general
Added 2026.1.21 9:24 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
07500/07717_ooeru