マドンナ
まどんな
noun
belle; the prettiest woman in a group
1.
belle; the most attractive woman
The most attractive or admired woman in a particular group, workplace, or school. Borrowed from the Italian/English 'Madonna' but used in Japanese to refer to a popular, beautiful woman who is the object of admiration.
彼女は学校のマドンナだ。
She is the belle of the school.
職場のマドンナと呼ばれている。
She is called the belle of the workplace.
新入社員のマドンナに、男性社員たちが夢中になっている。
The male employees are crazy about the new hire who is the office belle.
USAGE:
Used to describe the most attractive or admired woman in a specific group such as a school class, workplace, or neighborhood. The word carries a sense of admiration and popularity rather than just physical beauty. It is somewhat dated and has a nostalgic feel, often associated with school days.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 学校のマドンナ (the school's belle)
- 職場のマドンナ (the office's belle)
- クラスのマドンナ (the class belle)
ORIGIN:
From Italian/English 'Madonna.' In Japanese, the religious meaning is not used; the word specifically refers to a popular, beautiful woman.