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 (離婚する).
彼らは離婚した。
They got divorced.
離婚率が上がっている。
The divorce rate is rising.
The verb form meaning 'to get divorced'.
来月、離婚する予定です。
I plan to get divorced next month.
To specify the type of divorce (mutual consent, mediation, court, etc.).
Divorce by mutual agreement. The most common type in Japan, done by submitting a form to the city office.
日本では協議離婚が一番多い。
In Japan, divorce by mutual consent is the most common.
Divorce by court judgment, when mediation fails.
裁判離婚は時間がかかる。
A court divorce takes time.
To describe someone who has experienced divorce.
Slang term for a person who has been divorced once. Literally 'one strike' (from the X mark next to the name on a family register).
彼はバツイチだ。
He's been divorced once.
A more formal way to say 'a person with a history of divorce'.
離婚歴のある人と結婚する。
I'm marrying someone who has been divorced before.
To express actions like filing for divorce, agreeing to divorce, etc.
To file for divorce (in court or mediation).
妻が離婚を申し立てた。
My wife filed for divorce.
To agree to a divorce.
彼は離婚に同意しなかった。
He didn't agree to the divorce.
To submit the divorce registration form (the official act of divorcing in Japan).
市役所に離婚届を出した。
We submitted the divorce papers at the city hall.
To talk about the financial and custodial aspects of divorce.
Compensation or solatium paid to the wronged spouse in a divorce.
慰謝料を請求する。
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.
財産分与で家をもらった。
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.
調停離婚を申し立てた。
I filed for divorce mediation.
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.