Translation guide
The idea of spending one's life with a partner and aging together. In Japanese, this is often expressed through set phrases, poetic expressions, or by describing the shared experience rather than a single direct translation.
Expressing the wish or promise to grow old with a partner, often in a romantic or marital context.
The most direct and natural way to say 'grow old together'. It's neutral and can be used in everyday conversation.
これからもずっと一緒に年を取りたい。
I want to keep growing old together from now on.
A poetic and somewhat formal expression meaning 'until our hair turns white together'. It evokes a lifelong commitment.
共に白髪の生えるまで、愛し合うことを誓います。
I vow to love you until our hair turns white together.
A classical four-character idiom meaning 'growing old together and sharing the same grave'. It symbolizes eternal marital fidelity. Rarely used in modern speech, but appears in literature or formal vows.
偕老同穴の契りを結ぶ。
To pledge to grow old together and be buried in the same grave.
Talking about a couple who have already grown old together, often with a sense of warmth or admiration.
Literally 'old married couple'. It's a common, neutral term for an elderly couple who have been together for a long time.
あの老夫婦はいつも手をつないで散歩している。
That old couple always walks hand in hand.
Literally 'mandarin duck couple', a metaphor for a devoted, inseparable married couple. Often used for couples who have been together for many years and are still affectionate.
うちの祖父母は本当におしどり夫婦だ。
My grandparents are truly a devoted couple.
Reflecting on the shared journey of aging with someone, not necessarily romantic.
A slightly more poetic way to say 'grow old together', emphasizing the accumulation of years. Can be used for friends or family as well.
親友と共に歳を重ねられるのは幸せなことだ。
It's a blessing to be able to grow old together with a close friend.
The English phrase 'growing old together' is often used as a romantic ideal. In Japanese, directly translating it as 「老けるのを一緒にする」 or similar would sound unnatural. Use the set phrases above instead.