Usage patterns 〈 人ひと 〉 はレディーだ someone is a lady (i.e., behaves gracefully or elegantly)
She's always so polite—truly a lady.
レディーファースト the custom of giving priority or courtesy to women (ladies first)
He values the custom of putting ladies first.
Related words 淑女 is the formal native Japanese word for a refined woman, while レディー is the borrowed English term used in similar polite contexts.
婦人 is a native Japanese term for 'lady' or 'woman' often used in formal or official contexts, whereas レディー has a more Western, modern, or elegant nuance.
女性 is the general, neutral word for 'woman', while レディー specifically implies refinement, elegance, or politeness.
Counted with Used to politely count the number of people, as in service, seating, or reservation contexts.
The everyday counter for people: 一人 (ひとり ), 二人 (ふたり ), 三人 (さんにん ).
Word family· 14 Show 6 more Show fewer bar hostess; floor hostess
young lady
ladykiller; womanizer
ladyboy; transgender woman
female office worker; office lady; OL
superwoman; superlady
See all 14 in Explore →
Written forms レディー Usage 23%
Standard katakana spelling for the English loanword 'lady'.
レディ Usage 77%
Common variant without the long vowel mark; both spellings are widely used.
Etymology Borrowed from English 'lady'.
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