1.
prostitute; sex worker
A woman who engages in sexual acts for payment. A direct, somewhat literary term that appears in historical accounts, literature, and social commentary. In modern discourse, more neutral terms are often preferred.
During the chaos of the postwar period, many women had no choice but to work as prostitutes.
Composed of 娼 (prostitute) and 婦 (woman). A direct term for a female sex worker that carries historical weight. It appears frequently in literature, historical texts, and discussions of social issues, but is considered too blunt for polite conversation.