noun
female diver; ama diver
A woman who dives to collect shellfish, seaweed, and other marine products, traditionally without breathing apparatus. The term is culturally specific to Japan and Korea.
See also: 海人 (あま)
海女たちは朝早く海に入って、アワビやサザエを採る。
The ama divers go into the sea early in the morning to gather abalone and turban shells.
この地域では、今でも海女による伝統的な漁が行われている。
In this region, traditional fishing by female divers is still practiced today.
Kana spelling is sometimes used, especially in contexts where the kanji might be unfamiliar.
海人 can refer to a male diver or a diver in general, while 海女 specifically refers to a female diver.
Compound of 海 (umi, 'sea') and 女 (onna, 'woman'), with the reading あま likely derived from an older word for 'sea person' or 'fisherman'.