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.
この地域では、今でも海女による伝統的な漁が行われている。
In this region, traditional fishing by female divers is still practiced today.
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.