貴婦人
kifujin[kʲiɸɯ̟ʑĩɴ]
In Japanese, dame translates to the title equivalent to Sir for a female knight, expressed as 貴婦人 (kifujin).
The expression いけない is used when something is not allowed, should not be done, is bad or is prohibited. The word いけません is a polite way to express dame used in formal conversations or business settings. The phrase 無理です is used to convey that something is impossible or cannot be done.
Meaning: title equivalent to Sir for a female knight (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
kifujin
Did you know?
- The word だめ ('dame') originally referred to a wall made of earth or a dam used to stop water, implying something that is blocked or cannot be passed.
- In casual Japanese, the phonetic sounds dame can also mean 'no good' or 'useless', which is a completely different word from the title 貴婦人.
- When saying だめ ('dame') to refuse a request, Japanese speakers often cross their arms in an 'X' shape over their chest.
Examples in context
- いや、それはだめです。No, that's not allowed.
- 今日は遅くなるから、駄目だよ。I'll be late today, so it's not possible.
- ここでタバコを吸ってはいけません。Smoking is not allowed here.
- すみません、これを使ってはいけませんか？Excuse me, is it not allowed to use this?
Example conversation
Two people are discussing a historical fantasy novel.
- 大翔 Hirotoこの本の主人公は貴婦人なの？Kono hon no shujinkou wa kifujin nano?Is the protagonist of this book a dame?
- 美咲 Misakiうん、とても強い貴婦人だよ。Un, totemo tsuyoi kifujin dayo.Yes, she is a very strong dame.
- 大翔 Hirotoかっこいい話になりそうだね。Kakkoii hanashi ni narisou da ne.It sounds like it will be a cool story.
- 美咲 Misakiぜひ読んでみて、大翔。Zehi yonde mite, Hiroto.You should definitely read it, Hiroto.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 貴婦人, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
