嬢
Meanings
A formal or old-fashioned standalone noun for an unmarried woman or young lady. In modern Japanese it is more often encountered in compounds or honorific expressions than as a plain everyday noun.
In old novels, 嬢 is sometimes used to refer to an unmarried woman.
Miss; title after a woman's name
Used after a personal name as a title meaning “Miss.” It is chiefly written, formal, or old-fashioned; everyday speech normally uses さん instead.
The invitation said “Miss Tanaka.”
female worker; -ess; -ette
Attached after a line of work or role to indicate a female worker, especially in established compounds such as 受付嬢. This usage can sound gendered or somewhat dated depending on the word.
The hotel receptionist greeted me with a smile and showed me the way.
Elevator girls often appear in old films.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉嬢"Miss ~"; attached after a woman's surname as a formal title
Miss Yamada has not yet arrived at the meeting.
- 〈物〉嬢female worker associated with a particular job or device
In Showa-era department stores, there were elevator girls.