auntie; older woman
Affectionate term for one's aunt or a familiar older woman, similar to 'auntie' in English. Can be used for non-relatives in casual, friendly contexts.
My auntie gave me homemade sweets.
I asked an older woman in the neighborhood for directions.
Kanji spelling for one's own aunt (parent's older sister).
Kanji spelling for one's own aunt (parent's younger sister).
Ateji spelling; rarely used in modern writing.
Derived from 伯母 (おば, 'aunt') with the affectionate suffix ちゃん, commonly used in casual family settings.