mamasan
mamasán with stress marks
madam of a brothel
Usage Note
Mamasan is borrowed from Japanese mama-san, originally a respectful title for an older woman running a bar or establishment. In the Philippine context it specifically refers to the manager or madam of a bar, club, or entertainment venue — often with connotations of the sex industry — and appears most in journalistic and social commentary contexts.
Examples
" Siya ang mamasan sa club. "
Natural Translation
She is the madam at the club.
Literal Translation
She the madam at club.
" Kilala siya bilang mamasan. "
Natural Translation
He/She is known as a madam of a brothel.
Literal Translation
Known he/she as madam of a brothel.
" Sa balita, ikinuwento ng dating mamasan kung paano siya tumulong sa mga babaeng gustong umalis sa industriya. "
Natural Translation
In the news, the former madam recounted how she helped the women who wanted to leave the industry.
Literal Translation
In news, recounted by-the former madam how she helped to the women who-want to-leave from industry.
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