大奥
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Meanings
1
inner palace of Edo Castle; shogun's harem
Historical term for the women's quarters in Edo Castle where the shogun's wife, concubines, and female servants lived. Often appears in period dramas and historical contexts.
See also: 江戸城
The Ōoku was the living quarters for the women of Edo Castle.
Power struggles within the Ōoku are often depicted in period dramas.
Usage patterns
- 大奥に入るto enter the shogun's inner palace (become a resident or servant there)
She entered the Ōoku at the age of fifteen.
- 大奥に仕えるto serve in the shogun's inner palace
Many women served in the Ōoku.
- 大奥で暮らすto live within the shogun's inner palace
The shogun's concubines lived in the Ōoku.