About
The character 嬷 is a phono-semantic compound. Its semantic radical is 女 (nǚ, woman) on the left, indicating the meaning relates to females. The phonetic component is 麻 (má, hemp) on the right, providing the sound. In its traditional form 嬤, the phonetic component is the more complex 麼 (me/mó). Historically, it served as a respectful title for elderly women, wet nurses, or senior female servants in wealthy households or the imperial palace. Today, its use is most recognized in the term "嬷嬷" (mómo), meaning a wet nurse or older female attendant, frequently appearing in historical dramas and literature.