Translation and Meaning of: 女性 - jyosei

The Japanese word 女性[じょせい] is an essential term for those learning the language or interested in Japanese culture. Its main meaning is "woman" or "female," but there are interesting nuances in its everyday and historical use. In this article, we will explore everything from the composition of the kanji to how this word is socially perceived in Japan, including practical memorization tips and usage examples.

Significado e Composição de 女性

The term 女性 is made up of two kanji: 女 (onna/woman) and 性 (sei/nature, sex). Together, they convey the idea of "feminine nature" or "female gender." Unlike 女 alone, which can be more informal, 女性 carries a more neutral and encompassing tone, often used in formal or descriptive contexts.

It is worth noting that 性 also appears in words like 男性 (dansei, "man") and 性別 (seibetsu, "gender"), which helps create mental associations for memorization. This structure makes the term easier for Japanese learners to grasp.

Everyday Uses and Cultural Contexts

In Japan, 女性 is widely used in situations that require formality, such as official documents, news, and discussions about gender. For example, phrases like "女性の権利" (women's rights) are common in social debates. In informal conversations, many people prefer to use 女の子 (onna no ko) for girls or 女の人 (onna no hito) for adult women.

Culturally, the word reflects the appreciation for precision in the Japanese language. Companies and institutions tend to prefer 女性 in public communications as it sounds more respectful. A curious example is its frequent use in notices such as "女性専用車両" (women-only cars), demonstrating its practical application in daily life.

Tips for Memorizing and Applying

An effective way to reinforce 女性 is to associate it with common compound words, such as 女性向け (aimed at a female audience) or 女性社員 (female employee). Another strategy is to observe its use in authentic materials, such as Japanese magazines or TV programs, where the term appears frequently.

To avoid confusion, remember that 女性 (josei) is not interchangeable with 女子 (joshi, "girl/young woman"), which has a younger connotation. This distinction is important in social or professional situations, where the choice of vocabulary can convey different levels of respect or formality.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 女子 (joshi) - Menina, garota
• 女の人 (onna no hito) - Woman (general)
• 女性の方 (josei no kata) - Woman (respectful form)
• 女性の方々 (josei no katagata) - Women
• 女性の人 (josei no hito) - Female person
• 女性の人々 (josei no hitobito) - Women

女性

Romaji: jyosei
Kana: じょせい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: woman

Meaning in English: woman

Definition: woman. woman.

Example Sentences - (女性) jyosei

See below some example sentences:

髪が長い女性は美しいです。

Kami ga nagai josei wa utsukushii desu

Women with long hair are beautiful.

Women with long hair are beautiful.

• 髪が長い - long hair
• 女性 - woman
• 美しい - beautiful
• です - Is (verb to be in the present tense)

気品あふれる女性は魅力的です。

Kihin afureru josei wa miryokuteki desu

A woman full of elegance is attractive.

The elegant woman is attractive.

• 気品 (kibun) - refinement, elegance
• あふれる (afureru) - overflow, be full of
• 女性 (josei) - woman
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 魅力的 (miryokuteki) - attractive, charming
• です (desu) - polite way of being

彼は女性を拐うつもりだった。

Kare wa josei o sarau tsumori datta

He intended to kidnap a woman.

He intended to kidnap the woman.

• 彼 - He
• は - Topic particle
• 女性 - Woman
• を - Direct object particle
• 拐う - Kidnap
• つもり - Intention
• だった - Past tense of the verb "to be"

小柄な女性はとても可愛らしいです。

Kobugara na josei wa totemo kawairashii desu

Small women are very cute.

Small women are very cute.

• 小柄な - means "small" or "short"
• 女性 - means "woman"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "the short woman"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 可愛らしい - adjective meaning "cute" or "adorable"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

女性は強くて美しいです。

Josei wa tsuyokute utsukushii desu

Women are strong and beautiful.

Women are strong and beautiful.

• 女性 (josei) - means "woman" in Japanese
• は (wa) - grammatical particle indicating the topic of the sentence, in this case "woman"
• 強くて (tsuyokute) - Adverb that means "strong" or "powerful", used here to describe the woman.
• 美しい (utsukushii) - adjective meaning "pretty" or "beautiful", used here to describe the woman
• です (desu) - linking verb indicating the existence or state of something, in this case, the strong and beautiful woman

ハンドバッグは女性の必需品です。

Handobaggu wa josei no hitsuyōhin desu

Handbags are women's necessities.

• ハンドバッグ - Handbag
• は - Topic particle
• 女性 - Woman
• の - Possessive particle
• 必需品 - Essential need
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

出産は女性にとってとても重要な出来事です。

Shussan wa josei ni totte totemo juuyou na dekigoto desu

Childbirth is a very important event for women.

Birth is a very important event for women.

• 出産 - Birth
• 女性 - woman
• にとって - for
• とても - very
• 重要 - important
• な - Particle indicating adjective
• 出来事 - event, happening
• です - verb to be"

女性は社会において重要な役割を果たしています。

Josei wa shakai ni oite juuyou na yakuwari wo hatashite imasu

Women play an important role in society.

• 女性 - Women
• は - Topic particle
• 社会 - Society
• において - na
• 重要な - Important
• 役割 - Paper
• を果たしています - perform

生理現象は女性にとって必要なものです。

Seiri genshō wa josei ni totte hitsuyōna mono desu

Physiological phenomena are necessary for women.

• 生理現象 - physiological phenomenon
• は - Topic particle
• 女性 - Women
• にとって - for
• 必要な - necessary
• もの - thing
• です - is

短い髪の女性は可愛いです。

Mijikai kami no josei wa kawaii desu

Short -twirled women are cute.

• 短い (mijikai) - short
• 髪 (kami) - hair
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 女性 (josei) - woman
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 可愛い (kawaii) - pretty, cute
• です (desu) - verb to be, to stay