女将(おかみ)

おかみ
noun
proprietress, landlady (of inn or restaurant)
occupation
1. proprietress, landlady
The female owner or manager of a traditional Japanese inn (ryokan), restaurant, or bar. A respected role in Japanese hospitality, the okami is responsible for overseeing guest relations, service quality, and the overall atmosphere of the establishment.
女将(おかみ)さんが出迎(でむか)えてくれた。
The proprietress came to greet us.
この旅館(りょかん)の女将(おかみ)は三代目(さんだいめ)だそうだ。
I hear the proprietress of this inn is the third generation.
女将(おかみ)さんの心(こころ)のこもった料理(りょうり)が評判(ひょうばん)で、遠(とお)くからわざわざ来(く)る客(きゃく)も多(おお)い。
The proprietress's heartfelt cooking is so well regarded that many customers come from far away.

Usage

In everyday speech, 女将(おかみ)さん (with the polite suffix) is much more common than the bare form 女将(おかみ). The role carries connotations of warmth, hospitality, and quiet authority.

Common collocations

  • 女将(おかみ)さん: proprietress (polite, standard form in conversation)
  • 若(わか)女将(おかみ): young proprietress (often the daughter or daughter-in-law being trained)
  • 旅館(りょかん)の女将(おかみ): inn proprietress
  • 料亭(りょうてい)の女将(おかみ): high-end restaurant proprietress

Cultural note

The 女将(おかみ) is a culturally significant figure in Japanese hospitality (おもてなし). At traditional inns, she personally greets and sees off guests, ensures their comfort, and often knows regular guests by name. The role requires social grace, business acumen, and knowledge of traditional arts and customs.

Related Words

Compare: 女主人(おんなしゅじん) (female proprietor)
general
Added 2026.2.20 22:04 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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