Translation guide
A female domestic worker. In Japanese, the most common modern term is メイド (meido), borrowed from English. Traditional terms like 女中 (jochuu) are now considered outdated or historical. The choice depends on context: modern vs. historical, casual vs. formal, and the specific role.
Referring to a female domestic worker in a contemporary setting, such as in a hotel, wealthy household, or as a cosplay theme.
The most common modern term, borrowed from English 'maid'. Used for hotel maids, housekeepers, and in maid café contexts. Neutral and widely understood.
ホテルのメイドが部屋を掃除してくれた。
The hotel maid cleaned my room.
彼女はメイドとして働いている。
She works as a maid.
Refers to a housekeeper or domestic helper, often a live-in or regularly employed woman who does cleaning, cooking, etc. More formal than メイド.
家政婦を雇って家事を手伝ってもらっている。
We hired a housekeeper to help with the chores.
A polite, somewhat old-fashioned term for a domestic helper. Often used in family contexts. Can sound a bit dated or euphemistic.
子供の頃、家にお手伝いさんがいた。
When I was a child, we had a maid at home.
Referring to a female servant in historical Japan, such as in samurai households, inns, or pre-modern settings.
Traditional term for a maidservant or female servant, common until the mid-20th century. Now considered outdated and can be derogatory if used for modern workers. Appropriate for historical contexts.
江戸時代の武家屋敷には多くの女中がいた。
In samurai residences of the Edo period, there were many maidservants.
A historical term for a lower-ranking female servant. Often used in literature or period dramas. Can be pejorative.
Referring to the character archetype or occupation in maid cafés, often wearing a frilly uniform.
Same as modern term, but heavily associated with maid cafés and otaku culture. Often used in compound words like メイド喫茶 (maid café).
秋葉原のメイド喫茶でメイドさんと写真を撮った。
I took a photo with a maid at a maid café in Akihabara.
Using 女中 (jochuu) to refer to a contemporary maid or housekeeper can sound demeaning or old-fashioned. Stick to メイド or 家政婦 in modern contexts.
メイド is a general term for a maid, often implying a uniformed worker in hotels or maid cafés. 家政婦 specifically refers to a housekeeper who manages household chores, often in a private home, and may not wear a uniform.
At the inn, the maidservants were working busily.