also: にょうぼ · にゅうぼう
noun
wife; one's own wife
Common, somewhat informal term for one's own wife; often used by men. Can sound old-fashioned or humble depending on context.
うちの女房は料理が上手だ。
My wife is a good cook.
女房に怒られちゃったよ。
I got scolded by my wife.
noun
court lady; female court attendant
Only with reading にょうぼう / にゅうぼう
Historical term for a woman serving at the imperial court; used in Heian and later periods. Reading is にょうぼう or archaic にゅうぼう.
平安時代の女房は、宮中で文学や和歌に親しんだ。
Court ladies of the Heian period enjoyed literature and waka poetry at the imperial palace.
noun
woman; love interest
Only with reading にょうぼう / にゅうぼう
Archaic use for a woman, especially as a romantic interest; found in classical literature. Reading is にょうぼう or archaic にゅうぼう.
古い物語では、女房はしばしば恋の相手として描かれる。
In old tales, a woman is often depicted as a love interest.