Translation guide
A marriage where spouses live apart, often due to work, and commute to see each other.
Describing a marriage where spouses live separately and travel to see each other.
Literally 'weekend marriage'. The most common term for a commuter marriage where the couple sees each other mainly on weekends.
彼らは週末婚を選んだ。
They chose a commuter marriage.
Literally 'separate residence marriage'. A broader term for any marriage where spouses live apart, not necessarily due to commuting.
仕事の都合で別居婚をしている。
We have a commuter marriage due to work circumstances.
Literally 'long-distance marriage'. Emphasizes the geographical distance between spouses.
遠距離婚は大変だけど、お互いに信頼している。
A long-distance marriage is tough, but we trust each other.
Literally 'commuting marriage'. Historically refers to a visiting marriage, but can be used for modern commuter marriages. Less common than 週末婚.
Explaining that you live apart from your spouse and commute to see them.
週末婚 specifically implies meeting on weekends. 別居婚 is a general term for living apart while married. 遠距離婚 emphasizes the distance, similar to a long-distance relationship.
In Japan, 単身赴任 (solo job transfer) is a common reason for commuter marriages, often due to corporate relocations where the family stays behind for children's education or housing.
通い婚という形もあります。
There is also a form called commuter marriage.
Refers to a job transfer where one spouse moves alone, leaving the family behind. Often the reason for a commuter marriage.
夫が単身赴任で、週末だけ帰ってきます。
My husband is on a solo assignment and only comes home on weekends.
Simply means 'living separately'. Can be used to describe the living arrangement in a commuter marriage.
結婚しているけど、仕事の関係で別居しています。
We're married, but we live separately due to work.
Describes the pattern of spending time together only on weekends.
私たちは週末だけ一緒に過ごす生活をしています。
We live a life where we only spend weekends together.