Translation guide
The English word 'maiden' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: referring to a young unmarried woman (often archaic/literary), the 'maiden voyage' of a ship, and 'maiden name'. It also touches on less common uses like a maiden speech or a maiden over in cricket.
To refer to a young woman, especially one who is unmarried, in a poetic, old-fashioned, or fantasy context.
This is the most direct equivalent, often used in literary, poetic, or fantasy contexts. It carries a sense of purity and youth. Not used in modern everyday conversation.
彼女は森の中で美しい乙女に出会った。
She met a beautiful maiden in the forest.
Means 'young girl' and is more common in modern Japanese. It lacks the specific 'unmarried' nuance but can be used in similar contexts when 'maiden' implies youth.
その少女は長い髪をしていた。
The maiden had long hair.
Literally means 'virgin'. It can be used in literary contexts to mean 'maiden', but it strongly emphasizes virginity. Use with caution as it can sound clinical or overly direct.
This word primarily means 'virgin' and can be inappropriate or too direct in many contexts. Only use when the virginity aspect is explicitly relevant.
処女のごとき清らかさ。
Purity like that of a maiden.
To describe the first voyage of a newly built ship.
This is the standard term for 'maiden voyage'. It uses 処女 (virgin/maiden) and 航海 (voyage).
タイタニック号は処女航海で沈没した。
The Titanic sank on its maiden voyage.
To refer to a woman's family name before she got married.
This is the standard term for 'maiden name'. It literally means 'old surname' and is used for both men and women, but context usually makes it clear.
彼女の旧姓は田中です。
Her maiden name is Tanaka.
To be explicit, you can add 女性の (woman's) before 旧姓, though it's usually understood from context.
書類には女性の旧姓を記入してください。
Please fill in your maiden name on the form.
To refer to the first speech given by a new member of a parliament, society, etc.
This is the direct translation, using 処女 (maiden) and 演説 (speech). It's understood in political or formal contexts.
新人議員が処女演説を行った。
The new member gave his maiden speech.
A more general way to say 'first speech'. It lacks the specific 'maiden' nuance but is easily understood.
彼は議会で初めての演説をした。
He gave his first speech in parliament.
In cricket, an over in which no runs are scored.
This is a loanword from English, commonly used in Japanese cricket contexts.
彼はその試合で3回のメイデンオーバーを達成した。
He bowled three maiden overs in the match.
In modern, everyday conversation, Japanese speakers do not use 乙女 or 処女 to refer to a young woman. These words sound archaic or literary. Use 女性 (woman) or 女の人 (woman) instead, or specify age with 若い女性 (young woman).
乙女 (otome) implies a sense of purity and is often used in poetic or fantasy settings. 少女 (shoujo) simply means 'young girl' and is more neutral and common. For 'maiden' in the sense of a young unmarried woman, 乙女 is closer but less frequently used in daily life.
旧姓は何ですか？
What is your maiden name?
その船は処女航海に出た。
The ship set sail on its maiden voyage.