側女
そばめ · sobame
Mistress, kept woman, concubine
Other ways to say “mistress” in Japanese →
flat · what is pitch accent?
How it’s used
This word is rare and archaic, found mainly in historical fiction or period dramas to refer to a concubine or mistress in a feudal context.
Often confused with 愛人 (aijin), but 側女 suggests a historically lower status, while 愛人 is modern and informal.
Example sentences
側女が城で暮らしていた。
The mistress lived in the castle.
Nihoner
彼は側女を持っていたが、世間には隠していた。
He had a concubine, but he hid it from the public.
Nihoner
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Questions
What does 側女 mean?
Mistress, kept woman, concubine.
How do you pronounce 側女?
そばめ (sobame). Pitch accent: heiban — flat. Press Listen above to hear it.
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