A somewhat dated or colloquial term for a woman who remains unmarried past the usual age. Can carry a slightly negative or pitying tone. Often used in traditional or rural contexts.
She hates being called an old maid.
昔は行かず後家という言葉がよく使われた。
In the past, the word 'ikazugoke' was often used.
A neutral, formal term for an unmarried woman, without the negative connotations.
A derogatory expression formed from 行かず “not marrying” and 後家 “widow,” whose sense broadened here to an unmarried older woman.