Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of a 'first wife' is expressed differently depending on context, such as historical polygamy, divorce/remarriage, or legal status. The most common term is 先妻 (sensai), but other words like 前妻 (zensai) and 元妻 (motosuma) are used with nuanced differences.
Referring to the first wife when a man had multiple wives simultaneously, as in historical or polygamous settings.
The standard term for a first wife, especially in contexts of polygamy or when contrasting with a second wife. Neutral and widely understood.
His first wife was a very beautiful woman.
Literally 'main wife' or 'legal wife', used in historical polygamous contexts to distinguish the primary wife from concubines. Can imply official status.
He had several concubines in addition to his main wife.
A formal, literary term for a legal wife, often used in historical or legal documents. Rare in modern conversation.
The child of the legal wife succeeded the family headship.
Referring to a former wife from a previous marriage, now divorced or deceased, when the speaker has remarried.
The most common term for a former wife, especially in the context of remarriage. Neutral and widely used in both spoken and written Japanese.
He has two children with his former wife.
A more colloquial term for 'ex-wife', similar to 前妻 but with a slightly more personal or informal nuance. Often used in casual conversation.
Can also mean a former wife from a previous marriage, but it is less specific than 前妻 and may be ambiguous. Often used in formal or written contexts.
Referring to a first wife in a legal context, such as inheritance, family registry, or official records.
Commonly used in legal documents to denote a first wife, especially when distinguishing from a second wife in matters of inheritance or family registry.
The child of the first wife inherited the estate.
Also used in legal contexts, but more commonly refers to a divorced former wife. Can be used in documents like divorce papers or family court.
先妻 (sensai) is the most general term for 'first wife' and can be used in both historical polygamous contexts and for a deceased or divorced first wife. 前妻 (zensai) specifically means 'former wife' and is the best choice when referring to an ex-wife from a previous marriage. 元妻 (motosuma) is a more casual, spoken term for 'ex-wife'. Avoid using 先妻 when you specifically mean 'ex-wife' to prevent ambiguity.
Do not translate 'first wife' literally as 最初の妻 (saisho no tsuma). While understandable, it sounds unnatural and is not idiomatic. Use the established terms above.
元妻は今、別の人と結婚している。
My ex-wife is now married to someone else.
先妻の死後、彼は再婚した。
After the death of his first wife, he remarried.
前妻との離婚が成立した。
The divorce with his former wife was finalized.