Translation guide
Describes family relationships created through marriage rather than blood. In Japanese, these are expressed with specific kinship terms, often using the prefix 義理の (giri no) or suffixes like 〜舅 (shūto) and 〜姑 (shūtome). Usage depends on whether you are referring to your own in-laws or someone else's, and the level of formality.
To describe someone as an in-law in a general sense, or to refer to the relationship itself.
The most common and versatile way to say 'in-law'. 義理 (giri) means 'duty' or 'obligation', and 義理の (giri no) literally means 'of obligation', indicating a relationship by marriage. Attach it to a basic kinship term like 父 (father), 母 (mother), 兄 (older brother), etc.
He is my father-in-law.
My sister-in-law is coming to visit next week.
A formal, somewhat legal term for 'in-law' or 'relative by marriage'. It refers to the relationship or the collective in-laws, not a specific person. Often used in official contexts.
people who are related by marriage
To refer to one's own or someone else's father-in-law.
Neutral term for father-in-law. Can be used for one's own or someone else's. Literally 'righteous father', but understood as 'father-in-law'.
My father-in-law likes fishing.
Specifically refers to one's own father-in-law (husband's or wife's father). Often used in traditional or familial contexts. Can sound a bit old-fashioned or intimate.
Polite and affectionate way to address or refer to one's own father-in-law. The お prefix adds politeness, and さん is an honorific. Commonly used in daily conversation.
Father-in-law, here's some tea.
To refer to one's own or someone else's mother-in-law.
Neutral term for mother-in-law. Can be used for one's own or someone else's.
My mother-in-law is good at cooking.
Specifically refers to one's own mother-in-law (husband's or wife's mother). Often carries a traditional nuance and can sometimes imply a stereotypical difficult relationship, but not always.
Polite and affectionate way to address or refer to one's own mother-in-law. The お prefix adds politeness, and さん is an honorific.
To refer to one's own or someone else's son-in-law.
The standard word for son-in-law. It specifically means a man who has married into his wife's family. Often used when the son-in-law is adopted into the family (婿養子).
My daughter's husband (son-in-law) is a doctor.
Literally 'son-in-law' using the 義理の pattern. Less common than 婿 but more transparent. Can be used when the son-in-law has not been adopted into the family.
I heard my son-in-law got promoted.
To refer to one's own or someone else's daughter-in-law.
The standard word for daughter-in-law. It refers to a woman who has married into her husband's family. Commonly used in daily conversation.
My daughter-in-law is very kind.
Literally 'daughter-in-law' using the 義理の pattern. Less common than 嫁 but clearer in meaning.
I went shopping with my daughter-in-law.
To refer to one's own or someone else's brother-in-law.
Use 義理の兄 for older brother-in-law and 義理の弟 for younger brother-in-law. This pattern is clear and commonly understood.
My brother-in-law (older) lives in Tokyo.
More compact terms for brother-in-law. 義兄 (gikei) for older, 義弟 (gitei) for younger. Slightly more formal or written.
To refer to one's own or someone else's sister-in-law.
Use 義理の姉 for older sister-in-law and 義理の妹 for younger sister-in-law. Clear and natural.
My sister-in-law (younger) is getting married.
Compact terms: 義姉 (gishi) for older, 義妹 (gimai) for younger. More formal or written.
My sister-in-law (older) is a lawyer.
To refer to the family of one's spouse as a group.
Literally 'in-law family'. A straightforward way to refer to your spouse's family collectively.
I'm going on a trip with my in-laws.
A polite way to refer to your spouse's family, especially when speaking to someone outside the family. 先方 (senpō) means 'the other party'.
English uses 'in-law' as a suffix, but Japanese does not have a single suffix equivalent. Instead, use the patterns and specific terms above. Saying 'インロー' is not understood.
When speaking to your own in-laws, it is common to use family terms like お父さん (otōsan) and お母さん (okāsan) rather than 義父 or 義母, which are more for referring to them in third person.
My father-in-law is not feeling well.
姑と同居しています。
I live with my mother-in-law.
お義母さん、いつもありがとうございます。
Mother-in-law, thank you for everything.
My brother-in-law runs a company.
I am very much indebted to my in-laws.