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.
My husband is an office worker.
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.
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.
My husband is good at cooking.
I had a fight with my husband.
Slang from English 'hubby'. Used by some younger women, but not universally understood.
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.
How is your husband?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hubby says he's coming home early today.
Honey, come here a sec.