1.
your daughter; someone else's daughter (respectful)
A respectful term for the daughter of the person one is addressing or referring to, used in formal speech, letters, and ceremonial occasions. The male counterpart is 御令息.
御令嬢のご結婚、おめでとうございます。
Congratulations on your daughter's marriage.
御令嬢のご活躍を伺っております。
I have been hearing of your daughter's fine accomplishments.
社長の御令嬢が留学から帰ってこられた。
The president's daughter has returned from studying abroad.
Formed from the honorific prefix 御 + 令嬢 (another's daughter). A formal keigo term used to elevate the listener's family; never used for one's own daughter.
USAGE:
- Appears mainly in formal letters, speeches, and announcements (weddings, funerals, business).
- In everyday conversation, 娘さん is the ordinary polite equivalent.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 御令息: your son (honorific) — the male counterpart.
- 娘さん: your daughter — polite but far more casual and common in speech.
- お嬢さん: young lady; your daughter — polite and common in everyday speech.