Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'husband and wife' is most commonly expressed with the word 夫婦 (ふうふ). However, the specific term used can vary based on formality, context, and whether the couple is being referred to as a unit or individually. This guide covers the most natural ways to express this concept.
To refer to a husband and wife as a couple, in neutral or formal contexts.
The most common and neutral word for a married couple. Can be used in most situations.
あの夫婦はとても仲がいい。
That husband and wife get along very well.
夫婦で旅行に行く。
The husband and wife go on a trip together.
A more formal and respectful term, often used to refer to another couple, especially in writing or news.
山田夫妻が来週訪ねてくる。
Mr. and Mrs. Yamada will visit next week.
A somewhat old-fashioned or literary term for a married couple, sometimes used in titles of stories or plays.
この物語は若い夫婦者の苦労を描いている。
This story depicts the struggles of a young husband and wife.
To talk about 'my husband and I' or 'we as a couple' in a humble or casual way.
Used to mean 'as a couple' or 'husband and wife together'. Very common in daily conversation.
夫婦で映画を見に行った。
My husband/wife and I went to see a movie.
Literally 'we as a couple'. Used to emphasize the couple unit, often in introductions or explanations.
私たち夫婦は結婚して10年になります。
We (husband and wife) have been married for 10 years.
To refer to the husband and wife as separate individuals, often in contexts like 'husband and wife team' or when listing family members.
The most direct way to say 'husband and wife' as two individuals. Use when you need to specify both roles clearly.
夫と妻の役割について話し合う。
Discuss the roles of husband and wife.
A traditional, humble way to refer to one's own husband (主人) and wife (家内). Note: 主人 can also mean 'master', and 家内 is somewhat old-fashioned; younger people may prefer 夫 (おっと) and 妻 (つま) even for their own spouse.
Using 主人 and 家内 can sound old-fashioned or sexist to some. In casual settings, 夫 and 妻 are safer.
主人と家内で小さな店を経営しています。
My husband and I run a small shop.
To refer to 'husband and wife' in official contexts like laws, contracts, or formal announcements.
A gender-neutral term for 'spouse'. Often used in legal contexts to mean husband or wife, but can also refer to the couple collectively.
配偶者控除を受けるには条件があります。
There are conditions for receiving the spouse deduction.
In English, 'husband and wife' often functions as a set phrase. In Japanese, directly translating as 夫と妻 (otto to tsuma) can sound unnatural if you're simply referring to a married couple. Use 夫婦 (fuufu) instead unless you specifically need to distinguish the two individuals.
夫婦 (fuufu) is the general term for any married couple. 夫妻 (fusai) is more respectful and is typically used when referring to another couple, especially in formal writing or news. You would not use 夫妻 to refer to your own marriage.
あの人たちは夫婦です。
They are husband and wife.
夫婦でレストランを経営している。
The husband and wife run a restaurant together.
Means 'marital relationship' or 'husband-wife relationship'. Used in formal discussions about marriage.
夫婦関係が破綻している場合、離婚が認められる。
If the marital relationship has broken down, divorce may be granted.