Translation guide
The concept of marriage in Japanese can be expressed through nouns, verbs, and set phrases. The most common and neutral term is 結婚 (kekkon), which covers both the act of marrying and the state of being married. Other terms carry nuances of formality, tradition, or specific aspects like the wedding ceremony or marital relationship.
Expressing the general concept of marriage as a union or life event.
The most common and neutral word for marriage. Can be used as a noun or a suru-verb (結婚する).
彼らは来月結婚します。
They will get married next month.
結婚生活は楽しいですか。
Is married life enjoyable?
A formal or legal term for marriage, often used in official documents or legal contexts.
婚姻届を提出する。
Submit a marriage registration form.
Refers to marriage as a family alliance or arranged match, often with traditional or historical connotations.
両家の縁組みが決まった。
The marriage alliance between the two families was decided.
Referring specifically to the event or celebration of getting married.
The standard word for a wedding ceremony.
結婚式に招待されました。
I was invited to a wedding.
A slightly more formal or traditional term for a wedding ceremony.
Specifically the wedding reception or banquet, often held after the ceremony.
Focusing on the ongoing relationship or union between married people.
Literally 'husband-wife relationship', the standard term for the marital relationship.
夫婦関係を良好に保つ。
Maintain a good marital relationship.
Expressing the action of entering into marriage.
The most common way to say 'to get married'.
彼は去年結婚した。
He got married last year.
Specifically refers to a woman marrying into a family, often with traditional or literary nuance.
娘が嫁ぐ日が来た。
The day came for my daughter to marry (and leave home).
Formal or archaic term for a man taking a wife.
彼は三十歳で妻帯した。
He took a wife at age thirty.
結婚 is the everyday word for marriage, used in conversation and most writing. 婚姻 is formal and often appears in legal or official contexts, such as 婚姻届 (marriage registration).
結婚したい。
I want to get married.
婚姻の自由は憲法で保障されている。
Freedom of marriage is guaranteed by the constitution.
The English word 'marriage' is not used as a loanword in Japanese. Always use 結婚 or another appropriate term.
彼らの結婚生活は幸せだった。
Their marriage was a happy one.
彼女は彼に結婚を申し込んだ。
She proposed marriage to him.
婚礼の儀が執り行われた。
The wedding ceremony was held.
披露宴はホテルで行います。
The reception will be held at a hotel.
Married life, emphasizing the daily life aspect.
結婚生活に満足しています。
I am satisfied with married life.