Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'husband' depends heavily on context, formality, and who you are speaking to. When referring to your own husband in formal or neutral situations, use 夫 (otto). In casual conversation, 旦那 (danna) is common. When speaking about someone else's husband politely, use ご主人 (goshujin). In very formal or written contexts, 配偶者 (haigūsha) means 'spouse' and is gender-neutral. There are also affectionate or slang terms like ハズ (hazu) from English 'hubby'.
Use when talking about your own husband in polite conversation, at work, or with strangers.
The standard, neutral term for one's own husband. Safe for most situations.
夫は会社員です。
My husband is an office worker.
夫と買い物に行きました。
I went shopping with my husband.
Literally 'master', this is a traditional humble term for one's own husband. Still used, but can sound old-fashioned or patriarchal to some.
主人がいつもお世話になっております。
My husband is always indebted to you (for your help).
Use with friends, family, or in relaxed settings.
Very common casual term for one's own husband. Originally meant 'master' or 'patron', but now widely used informally.
うちの旦那は料理が上手なんだ。
My husband is good at cooking.
旦那と喧嘩しちゃった。
I had a fight with my husband.
Slang from English 'hubby'. Used by some younger women, but not universally understood.
ハズが今日は早く帰ってくるって。
Hubby says he's coming home early today.
Use when speaking about the husband of a person you are talking to, or a third person's husband, in polite contexts.
The standard polite term for someone else's husband. Use with the honorific prefix ご.
ご主人はお元気ですか。
How is your husband?
田中さんのご主人に会いました。
I met Mrs. Tanaka's husband.
A slightly less formal but still polite way to refer to someone else's husband. Common in casual polite speech.
隣の旦那さん、いつも挨拶してくれるよ。
The husband next door always says hello.
Use in official documents, news, or very formal speech. Gender-neutral.
Means 'spouse' and is gender-neutral. Used in legal contexts, forms, and formal writing.
配偶者の有無を記入してください。
Please indicate your marital status (presence or absence of a spouse).
How to call your husband when speaking to him directly. Japanese wives rarely use 'husband' words; they use name, 'you', or other terms.
Most common. Wives often call husbands by name with さん or くん, or a pet name.
太郎さん、ご飯だよ。
Taro, dinner's ready.
Means 'you', but traditionally used by wives to address husbands. Can sound old-fashioned or overly sweet; some couples use it, others avoid it.
あなた、今日は早いのね。
You're home early today, dear.
Used by wives, especially when children are present, meaning 'dad'. Can be used even without kids as a casual term.
パパ、ちょっと来て。
Honey, come here a sec.
夫 (otto) is only for your own husband. Using it for someone else's husband is rude. Use ご主人 (goshujin) instead.
夫 is neutral and safe. 主人 is humble but can sound patriarchal. 旦那 is casual and common in everyday speech. Choose based on formality and your relationship with the listener.
If you're unsure which term to use for your own husband, 夫 (otto) is the most standard and widely accepted.