Translation guide
The legal ending of a marriage. In Japanese, the most common word is 離婚 (りこん). There are also specific terms for different types of divorce and related expressions.
To refer to the act or state of divorce in general.
The standard, neutral term for divorce. Can be used as a noun or a suru-verb ().
They got divorced.
The divorce rate is rising.
The verb form meaning 'to get divorced'.
I plan to get divorced next month.
To specify the type of divorce (mutual consent, mediation, court, etc.).
To describe someone who has experienced divorce.
To express actions like filing for divorce, agreeing to divorce, etc.
To talk about the financial and custodial aspects of divorce.
Compensation or solatium paid to the wronged spouse in a divorce.
I'm demanding compensation (for the divorce).
Child support payments after divorce.
Custody (of children). In Japan, sole custody is the norm after divorce.
Division of property upon divorce.
I got the house in the property division.
The English word 'divorce' is sometimes used metaphorically (e.g., 'divorce from reality'). In Japanese, 離婚 is strictly for marriage. For separation in general, use 分離 (ぶんり) or 別居 (べっきょ) for marital separation without divorce.
In Japan, divorce by mutual consent (協議離婚) is the most common, and it only requires submitting a form. There is no concept of joint custody after divorce; one parent gets sole custody (親権).
Divorce through family court mediation, when mutual agreement cannot be reached.
I filed for divorce mediation.
A court divorce takes time.
I'm marrying someone who has been divorced before.
He didn't agree to the divorce.
We submitted the divorce papers at the city hall.
養育費を払う。
I pay child support.
親権は母親が持つことが多い。
The mother often gets custody.