Translation guide
The English phrase "marry off" means to arrange or facilitate someone's marriage, often with a sense of parental or social involvement. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various verbs and phrases that differ in nuance, formality, and the degree of agency implied.
Expressing the act of parents or guardians arranging a marriage for their child, often with traditional or formal connotations.
Literally 'to make (a daughter) marry', this is the most direct and common verb for marrying off a daughter. It implies parental arrangement and is used in both casual and formal contexts.
彼は娘を医者に嫁がせた。
He married off his daughter to a doctor.
A colloquial and somewhat old-fashioned term meaning 'to settle' or 'to get (a daughter) married off'. It carries a nuance of completing a parental duty. Often used in the phrase '娘を片付ける'.
やっと娘を片付けることができた。
I finally managed to marry off my daughter.
A general phrase meaning 'to make someone marry' or 'to have someone get married'. It can be used for both sons and daughters, and is neutral in formality.
彼女は息子を早く結婚させたがっている。
She is eager to marry off her son.
A somewhat literary or formal term meaning 'to marry off' or 'to give in marriage'. It emphasizes the establishment of a family connection.
彼は娘を良家に縁付けた。
He married off his daughter into a good family.
Describing the act of helping someone find a marriage partner, often through social networks or professional matchmaking services.
Literally 'to make someone have an arranged meeting (omiai)'. This is the standard phrase for arranging a formal marriage interview. It implies a traditional matchmaking process.
叔母が私にお見合いをさせた。
My aunt arranged a marriage interview for me.
Means 'to act as a go-between/matchmaker'. It refers to the role of introducing potential partners and facilitating the relationship, often leading to marriage.
彼が仲人をしてくれて、二人は結婚した。
He acted as a matchmaker, and the two got married.
A broad verb meaning 'to take care of' or 'to help'. In the context of marriage, it implies assisting someone in finding a spouse, often through introductions.
上司が部下の結婚を世話した。
The boss helped his subordinate find a spouse.
Conveying the act of persistently encouraging or forcing someone into marriage, often against their will or due to social expectations.
Means 'to rush someone into marriage'. It implies persistent urging or pressure, often from family members.
親が結婚を急かすので、困っている。
I'm troubled because my parents are pressuring me to get married.
A stronger phrase meaning 'to press for marriage' or 'to demand marriage'. It can be used when someone is being forced into a marriage decision.
彼は彼女に結婚を迫った。
He pressed her to marry him.
The English phrase 'marry off' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Using a literal translation like '結婚させる' without context can sound unnatural or overly forceful. Choose the expression that matches the specific nuance of arrangement, assistance, or pressure.
嫁がせる (totsugaseru) is specifically for daughters and implies a traditional, parent-led arrangement. 結婚させる (kekkon saseru) is gender-neutral and can be used for any situation where someone causes or allows another person to marry, including modern or less formal contexts.