old woman; elderly lady
A somewhat formal or literary term for an elderly woman. In casual speech, おばあさん is more common.
その老婦は公園のベンチに座っていた。
The old woman was sitting on a bench in the park.
老婦の話はとても興味深かった。
The elderly lady's story was very interesting.
老婆 also means 'old woman' but can sound blunt or even slightly derogatory, whereas 老婦 is softer and more respectful.
老女 is a plain, neutral term for an old woman used in narration, while 老婦 carries a slightly more refined, formal tone.
Used when referring politely to people, especially in formal counts like reservations or attendance.
Compound of 老 (old) and 婦 (woman, lady). A straightforward Sino-Japanese word.