1.
young wife; young madam; young mistress of the house
A polite or somewhat old-fashioned term for a young married woman, especially the wife of a household head. Often used by service staff, in-laws, or neighbors to address or refer to a young wife with respect.
A compound of 若 (young) and 奥様 (wife, madam). The term carries a respectful and somewhat traditional tone.
Usage
This term is typically used:
- By household staff or shop employees addressing the young wife of a family
- By older relatives or neighbors referring to a newly married woman
- In fiction and drama, especially period or domestic settings
Common collocations
Similar words
- 奥様 — wife, madam (general polite term, no age restriction)
- 奥さん — wife, Mrs. (less formal than 奥様)
- 若旦那 — young master (the male counterpart)
- 新妻 — newly wedded wife (emphasizes the newness of the marriage)
- お嫁さん — bride; young wife (more colloquial and warm)
Register
Formal and traditional. Less commonly used in modern casual conversation, but still appears in customer service (especially at high-end shops), fiction, and formal domestic contexts. The term can sound charming or quaint in contemporary use.
Related Words
Compare:
奥さん (wife, Mrs.)