Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'Mrs' is expressed through honorific suffixes attached to names, primarily さん (san), which is gender-neutral and used for both married and unmarried women. There is no direct equivalent that indicates marital status in everyday polite speech. Context, relationship, and formality determine the appropriate term.
The speaker wants to address or refer to a woman politely, without specifying marital status, in most everyday situations.
The standard polite suffix attached to a family name or given name. It is gender-neutral and does not indicate marriage. Use this for acquaintances, colleagues, neighbors, and in most social contexts.
Mrs. Suzuki is an English teacher.
Mrs. Yamada, you have a phone call.
The speaker needs to address a woman very formally, such as in business correspondence, official documents, or customer service.
A highly respectful suffix used in formal writing, on envelopes, and when addressing customers or clients. It is gender-neutral and does not indicate marital status.
The speaker wants to refer to his own wife humbly when talking to others.
The standard humble term for one's own wife. It does not mean 'Mrs' directly but is used when a married man refers to his wife in conversation with outsiders.
The speaker wants to refer respectfully to another person's wife.
The speaker wants to address a woman by her professional title, equivalent to 'Mrs.' or 'Ms.' in English when the profession is known.
Used for teachers, doctors, lawyers, and other respected professionals. It is gender-neutral and does not indicate marital status.
The speaker is in a close, informal relationship and does not need to use a title, similar to using a first name in English.
Among close friends, family, or in very casual settings, titles are often dropped. This is not equivalent to 'Mrs' but is a natural way to address a married woman you are close to. Caution: Dropping さん can be rude if not appropriate.
Only use with people you are very close to; otherwise, it can sound disrespectful.
The word 夫人 (ふじん) means 'wife' or 'Mrs.' but is mainly used in formal writing or news to refer to the wife of a prominent person (e.g., 大統領夫人, the president's wife). It is not used as a title before a name in everyday conversation. Saying 田中夫人 to address someone directly is unnatural and overly formal.
Mrs. Abe, the prime minister's wife (news context)
If you don't know a woman's marital status or the appropriate level of formality, using さん with her family name is always safe and polite. It corresponds to both 'Ms.' and 'Mrs.' in English.
Mrs. Sato (on an envelope)
Mrs. (customer), this way please.
妻がお世話になっております。
My wife is indebted to you. (literally: My wife is under your care.)
A slightly old-fashioned humble term for one's own wife, literally 'inside the house'. Still used, but 妻 is more common today.
My wife is always under your care.
The most common respectful term for someone else's wife. It can be used with or without the family name. It literally means 'person of the interior'.
Mrs. Tanaka is good at cooking, isn't she?
Ma'am, I'd like to ask you something. (addressing a married woman directly, informal polite)
A more formal and respectful version of 奥さん, often used in business or when referring to the wife of a superior or customer.
The company president's wife is a very kind person.
Mrs. Yamamoto (the teacher), I have a question.
Hey, Yumi, come here a sec. (addressing a married friend)