Translation guide
In Japan, the dolls displayed for Hinamatsuri (Girls' Day) representing the emperor and empress are called お内裏様 (おだいりさま) and お雛様 (おひなさま), or collectively 内裏雛 (だいりびな). This guide explains how to refer to them naturally.
Referring to the two main dolls on the top tier of the Hinamatsuri display.
The standard term for the pair of dolls representing the emperor and empress. Often used in formal or descriptive contexts.
内裏雛はひな壇の最上段に飾られます。
The dairibina are displayed on the top tier of the doll platform.
A common, slightly more personified way to refer to the emperor and empress dolls together. Often used in songs and everyday conversation.
お内裏様とお雛様が並んでいるね。
The emperor and empress dolls are sitting side by side, aren't they?
Referring only to the male doll representing the emperor.
The respectful term for the emperor doll. Note that in the famous Hinamatsuri song, お内裏様 refers to the emperor, not the pair.
お内裏様は右側に置く地域もあります。
In some regions, the emperor doll is placed on the right side.
Literally 'male doll', a more descriptive term. Used when distinguishing from the female doll.
男雛は烏帽子をかぶっています。
The male doll wears a court cap.
Referring only to the female doll representing the empress.
The respectful term for the empress doll. In the song, お雛様 refers to the empress.
お雛様の着物は豪華ですね。
The empress doll's kimono is gorgeous, isn't it?
Literally 'female doll', used when contrasting with the male doll.
女雛は十二単を着ています。
The female doll wears a twelve-layered kimono.
In the Hinamatsuri song 'Ureshii Hinamatsuri', お内裏様 (おだいりさま) refers only to the emperor doll, and お雛様 (おひなさま) to the empress doll. However, in modern usage, お内裏様 and お雛様 are sometimes used together to mean the pair. To avoid confusion, use 内裏雛 (だいりびな) for the pair.
In most of Japan, the emperor doll is placed on the left (viewer's right) and the empress on the right (viewer's left), following Kyoto tradition. In some areas, it's reversed. When describing, you can say 左に男雛、右に女雛 (ひだりにおびな、みぎにめびな) or vice versa.