Translation guide
In Japanese, how you refer to a married woman depends heavily on context, relationship, and formality. Direct translations like 'married woman' are rarely used in conversation. Instead, you'll use terms like 奥さん (wife/madam), 既婚者 (married person), or describe marital status indirectly.
How do I say 'married woman' in Japanese?
Use this for factual descriptions. In conversation, use 奥さん for someone else's wife, or 妻 for your own.
When you want to refer to a married woman in a respectful or polite way, especially someone else's wife, or when addressing a married woman you don't know well.
The most common and polite way to refer to someone else's wife, or to address a married woman (like 'ma'am' or 'Mrs.'). Can also be used to refer to one's own wife in casual conversation, though 家内 is more traditional.
The lady next door (the neighbor's wife) is very kind.
A more formal and respectful version of 奥さん. Often used in service contexts or when speaking about someone of higher status.
A formal term meaning 'Mrs.' or 'wife', used mainly in writing or formal introductions, often with the husband's surname (e.g., 田中夫人). Not used for one's own wife.
When you need to state that a woman is married, for example on forms, in factual descriptions, or when clarifying someone's status.
When a married man refers to his own wife in a humble way, typically in formal situations or when speaking to superiors.
The traditional humble term for one's own wife. Still common, though some consider it old-fashioned because it literally means 'inside the house'.
In daily life, you rarely say 'married woman' directly. Instead, you use names with appropriate honorifics or kinship terms.
The default polite way to address or refer to any adult, regardless of marital status. If you know she's married, you might still just use さん unless you need to specify her role.
Saying 結婚している女性 is grammatically correct but can sound overly descriptive or clinical in casual chat. Instead, use context-appropriate terms like 奥さん or simply refer to the person by name.
That person is a married woman. (unnatural in casual talk)
Ma'am, you dropped this.
社長の奥様はパーティーにいらっしゃいました。
The company president's wife attended the party.
山田夫人が会議に出席されました。
Mrs. Yamada attended the meeting.
A neutral, gender-neutral term meaning 'married person'. To specify a woman, you can say 既婚女性 (きこんじょせい) or use context.
She is a married woman.
This survey targets married women.
A straightforward descriptive phrase: 'a woman who is married'. Natural in conversation when you need to be clear.
Married women often wear a ring on the left ring finger.
Literally 'another man's wife', this term emphasizes that a woman is married (and thus unavailable). It can carry a slightly sensational or literary tone, often used in fiction or gossip.
Can sound dramatic or judgmental; avoid in neutral contexts.
He had an affair with a married woman.
My wife is always indebted to you (for your help).
A neutral, standard word for 'wife' that can be used for one's own wife in both formal and informal contexts. More modern than 家内.
My wife is out shopping right now.
A casual, somewhat rough or affectionate term for one's own wife, often used by older men. Can sound a bit gruff or intimate.
My old lady is such a nag.
Is Ms. Tanaka married?
If the woman is a mother, you can refer to her by her role, especially within the family or community. お母さん can mean 'mother' or 'the lady of the house'.
Hey, can you help me for a sec? (to one's wife/mother of one's children)
That person is a wife / married lady. (more natural if referring to someone's wife)
奥さん is for someone else's wife (polite). 妻 is neutral and can be used for one's own wife or in general. 家内 is humble and only for one's own wife, but can sound old-fashioned. In modern casual speech, many men just use 妻 or even 奥さん for their own wife when talking to outsiders.