姉
シ, あね, はは

elder sister

JLPT4 G2 S8 F1473

The relevant seal inscription form of the right-hand element# shows it to be a depiction of three ears of a plant in irregular alignment. The addition of 女 woman indicated the eldest among female siblings of various heights → *elder sister* → *respectful, friendly term for a woman older than oneself*. There is no etymological connection between this element and the independent character 市.

[Full Kanji Etymology List]