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)
The ama divers go into the sea early in the morning to gather abalone and turban shells.
In this region, traditional fishing by female divers is still practiced today.
海女 (also read あま) means a female pearl or shellfish diver, a completely different profession from 尼, a Buddhist or Catholic nun.
Standard kanji spelling for a female diver.
Kana spelling is sometimes used, especially in contexts where the kanji might be unfamiliar.
あま is an ancient native word for a person who dives or fishes in the sea. 海女 is a semantic spelling specifying a female diver; the corresponding spelling 海士 has also been used for male divers.