Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'marriageable age' involves terms for legal marriage age, common social expectations around marriage timing, and phrases describing being at an age suitable for marriage. The most common term is 結婚適齢期 (kekkon tekireiki), referring to the socially perceived ideal age range for marriage.
Referring to the age range when people are commonly expected or considered suitable to marry, often discussed in social contexts.
The most common term for 'marriageable age' in the sense of the socially expected or ideal age range for marriage. Often used in discussions about life stages and societal pressure.
彼女はもう結婚適齢期を過ぎている。
She is already past the marriageable age.
結婚適齢期っていつだと思いますか？
When do you think the marriageable age is?
Short for 結婚適齢期. Used in casual conversation when the context of marriage is clear.
そろそろ適齢期だね。
It's about time you got married, isn't it? (lit. It's about the right age.)
Literally 'marriage age', but more often used in statistical or legal contexts rather than social discussion. Can be ambiguous without context.
平均結婚年齢は上昇している。
The average marriage age is rising.
Referring to the age at which a person is legally allowed to marry.
Formal term for the legal marriageable age, used in legal documents and official contexts.
日本では、婚姻可能年齢は男性18歳、女性18歳です。
In Japan, the legal marriageable age is 18 for both men and women.
A more colloquial way to say 'the age at which one can marry'. Used in everyday conversation.
日本で結婚できる年齢は何歳ですか？
At what age can you get married in Japan?
Describing someone as being of an age suitable for marriage, often in a personal or matchmaking context.
A natural phrase meaning 'at an age when it's okay to get married'. Implies social readiness.
娘も結婚してもいい年頃になった。
My daughter has reached a marriageable age.
A slightly more formal or thoughtful expression, 'an age at which one may consider marriage'.
彼は結婚を考えてもいい年齢だ。
He is at an age where he could consider marriage.
結婚適齢期 refers to the socially expected age range for marriage, often carrying cultural connotations of pressure or norms. 婚姻可能年齢 is strictly the legal minimum age. Do not confuse the two.
結婚適齢期は文化によって異なる。
The socially ideal marriage age varies by culture.
婚姻可能年齢は法律で定められている。
The legal marriageable age is stipulated by law.
Directly translating 'marriageable age' as 結婚できる年齢 is grammatically correct but may sound too literal or childish in formal contexts. Use 結婚適齢期 for social discussions and 婚姻可能年齢 for legal ones.
彼女は結婚適齢期を過ぎている。
She is past the marriageable age.
日本の婚姻可能年齢は何歳ですか？
What is the legal marriageable age in Japan?