noun
Familiar term for an older woman, often used as a vocative with さん or 様. Not used for one's own aunt (see 伯母/叔母).
おばさん、この辺に郵便局はありますか。
Ma'am, is there a post office around here?
隣のおばさんがいつもお菓子をくれる。
The old lady next door always gives me sweets.
Derived from 小 (small, little) and 母 (mother), originally a respectful or affectionate term for an older woman. The exact historical development is uncertain.