Translation guide
The term 'first lady' refers to the wife of a head of state, most commonly the U.S. president. In Japanese, the concept is often expressed using loanwords or descriptive phrases, and usage depends on context and formality.
To refer to the wife of a president or prime minister in a general sense.
The most common and direct loanword for 'first lady'. Used in news and conversation.
アメリカのファーストレディーが来日した。
The first lady of the United States visited Japan.
Literally 'president's wife'. More formal and descriptive, often used in official contexts.
大統領夫人が慈善活動に参加した。
The president's wife participated in charity work.
Used for the wife of a prime minister. Similar to 大統領夫人 but for parliamentary systems.
首相夫人が公式の場に姿を見せた。
The prime minister's wife appeared at an official event.
Formal and bureaucratic term meaning 'spouse of the head of state'. Rarely used in everyday speech.
国家元首の配偶者としての役割が注目されている。
The role as the spouse of the head of state is attracting attention.
To refer specifically to the first lady of the United States, often in a cultural or political context.
The standard term, widely understood. Often used with the country name for clarity.
アメリカのファーストレディーは教育問題に取り組んでいる。
The U.S. first lady is working on education issues.
Abbreviated form of 'U.S. president's wife', common in news headlines.
米大統領夫人が国連でスピーチを行った。
The U.S. first lady gave a speech at the United Nations.
To refer to the first lady of a country other than the U.S., often requiring the country name.
Pattern: country name + の + ファーストレディー. Works for most countries.
フランスのファーストレディーが来日した。
The first lady of France visited Japan.
Pattern: country name + の + 大統領夫人. More formal, used for presidential systems.
韓国の大統領夫人が公式訪問した。
The first lady of South Korea made an official visit.
To use 'first lady' in a metaphorical sense, such as 'first lady of jazz' or 'first lady of fashion'.
Pattern: field + の + ファーストレディー. Used for prominent women in a domain.
彼女はジャズのファーストレディーと呼ばれている。
She is called the first lady of jazz.
Means 'leading figure' in a field. More gender-neutral and formal than ファーストレディー.
彼女はファッション界の第一人者だ。
She is a leading figure in the fashion world.
Do not translate 'first lady' literally as 最初の女性 (first woman) or 一番目の婦人 (first lady in numerical order). These sound unnatural and do not convey the intended meaning.
In Japanese media, the first lady is often referred to by her name plus 夫人 (ふじん) or さん, especially after introduction. For example, バイデン夫人 (Biden fujin) or ジル・バイデンさん (Jill Biden san).
ファーストレディーがサミットに出席した。
The first lady attended the summit.
彼女はアメリカ演劇界のファーストレディーだ。
She is the first lady of American theater.