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.
女将さんが出迎えてくれた。
The proprietress came to greet us.
この旅館の女将は三代目だそうだ。
I hear the proprietress of this inn is the third generation.
女将さんの心のこもった料理が評判で、遠くからわざわざ来る客も多い。
The proprietress's heartfelt cooking is so well regarded that many customers come from far away.
USAGE:
In everyday speech, 女将さん (with the polite suffix) is much more common than the bare form 女将. The role carries connotations of warmth, hospitality, and quiet authority.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 女将さん: proprietress (polite, standard form in conversation)
- 若女将: young proprietress (often the daughter or daughter-in-law being trained)
- 旅館の女将: inn proprietress
- 料亭の女将: high-end restaurant proprietress
CULTURAL NOTE:
The 女将 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.