Meaning and Usage
"お嬢さん" is a polite and respectful way to refer to someone else's daughter. It is often used by adults when speaking to or about another person's child, especially in formal or semi-formal contexts.
Nuances
This term carries a respectful tone and is often used by strangers or acquaintances rather than close family members. It can also be used to politely address a young woman, sometimes implying a certain social status or upbringing.
Common Collocations
- お嬢さんは (someone's daughter) + verb: to talk about the daughter’s actions or state.
- あのお嬢さん (that young lady): used to refer to a young woman politely.
- お嬢さんを送る (to take the daughter somewhere): common when offering help or transportation.
Register and Politeness
The word is polite and somewhat formal. It is not typically used by parents referring to their own daughters but rather by others.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "お嬢さん" with "娘さん" (musume-san), which also means daughter but is more neutral. Use "お嬢さん" when you want to be polite or respectful, especially when addressing others.