Translation guide
The English word 'couple' can refer to two people in a romantic relationship, a small indefinite number (a few), or the act of joining things together. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Referring to a pair of people who are married, dating, or otherwise romantically involved.
The most common and natural word for a romantic couple, especially dating or unmarried. Can also refer to any pair, but primarily used for romantic pairs.
That couple is always together.
There were many couples in the park.
Specifically a married couple. Use this when the marital status is known or emphasized.
The couple next door gets along very well.
That couple has been married for 10 years.
Literally 'two people'. Often used to refer to a couple in a natural, understated way, especially when the context makes the relationship clear.
Are those two dating?
The two of us (as a couple) went to a movie.
Emphasizes that the two are lovers. More explicit and slightly literary or formal.
They look like a couple (of lovers).
Expressing an indefinite small quantity, roughly two or a few.
Literally 'two, three'. The most common way to say 'a couple of' when referring to a small number of things. Often used with counters.
I'll come again in a couple of days.
I bought a couple of apples.
Prefix meaning 'a few' or 'several'. Used in formal or written contexts. Attaches to counters.
Means 'some' or 'a few'. More casual and flexible than 数. Can be used without a counter.
I have a couple of questions.
The verb 'to couple', meaning to link or connect two things together.
General term for coupling or linking things, often mechanical or physical.
To couple train cars.
To combine or join together, often used in technical or abstract contexts.
To couple two systems.
Casual verb meaning to connect or link. Can be used for physical or abstract connections.
Use カップル for dating or unmarried couples, and 夫婦 specifically for married couples. 二人 is a neutral way to refer to a pair when the relationship is understood from context.
Do not use カップルの to mean 'a couple of' things. That would mean 'a couple's (something)'. Use 二、三 or 数 instead.
There is a meeting in a couple of days.
A couple of friends came.
To couple pipes.