madam; married woman; lady; housewife
A polite term for a married woman, often used in service contexts or to refer to a woman of a certain social standing. Can also mean 'housewife' in casual conversation.
from French madame
The madam of that café is very kind.
あのマダムはいつも上品な服装をしている。
That lady always dresses elegantly.
The neighborhood housewives got together and held a tea party.
proprietress; manageress
Specifically refers to the female owner or manager of a bar, café, or small shop. Often used in the hospitality industry.
The proprietress of this bar is a very friendly person.
The manageress of the coffee shop told me about their recommended cake.
She is called 'madam' by the shop's customers.
This bar is run by a madam who used to be an actress.
夫人 is a formal, respectful title for a married lady used in writing or ceremonial speech, whereas マダム is more casual and evokes a Western café/boutique image.
女主人 is a plain, literal term for a female owner or manager, whereas マダム carries a more sophisticated or foreign-sounding image.
主婦 simply means 'housewife' with no stylish connotation, unlike マダム which suggests elegance or foreign flair.
ママ typically refers to the woman running a hostess bar or cabaret in a casual, familiar way, while マダム suggests a more refined café, boutique, or salon owner.
The everyday counter for people: 一人 (ひとり), 二人 (ふたり), 三人 (さんにん).
used in formal/customer-facing contexts; in everyday speech, people are more naturally counted with 人
little madam; young wealthy wife
bourgeoise wife; lady of leisure
ladykiller who targets married women; handsome young man popular with married women
croque-madame
Borrowed from French 'madame'. Used in Japanese with similar meanings but also extended to refer to a female shop owner or manager.