noun
darling; dear; honey; my betrothed
Archaic familiar term used by a man to address his wife, lover, or betrothed woman. Not used in modern Japanese.
古い和歌では、夫が妻を「妹」と呼ぶことがある。
In old waka poems, a husband sometimes calls his wife 'imo'.
noun
one's sister
Archaic term for one's own sister, especially a younger sister. Modern Japanese uses 妹 (いもうと).
古典文学では、「妹」は自分の妹を指すことが多い。
In classical literature, 'imo' often refers to one's own sister.
noun
Archaic familiar term used by women to address a close female friend. Extremely rare and obsolete.
昔の女性同士の手紙では、「妹」が親しい友を意味することがあった。
In old letters between women, 'imo' could mean a close friend.