Translation guide
A person who arranges marriages or romantic relationships. In Japanese, the concept is deeply tied to traditional arranged marriage (omiai) and modern casual matchmaking. The most common term is 仲人 (nakōdo) for formal contexts, while 恋愛のキューピッド or 仲介役 are used for casual matchmaking.
A person who formally arranges marriages, often in the context of omiai (arranged meetings). This is a traditional role with social status.
The standard term for a formal matchmaker in arranged marriages. Historically, a nakōdo would introduce families and mediate the marriage process.
彼女の両親は仲人を通して知り合った。
Her parents met through a matchmaker.
A more formal or literary term for a matchmaker, often used in wedding ceremonies to refer to the go-between who arranged the marriage.
媒酌人が結婚式でスピーチをした。
The matchmaker gave a speech at the wedding.
A poetic, literary term for a matchmaker, literally 'moon and ice person'. Rarely used in daily conversation.
彼はまるで月下氷人のような存在だ。
He is like a matchmaker sent from heaven.
A friend or acquaintance who introduces two people for a romantic relationship, often informally.
A playful way to refer to someone who plays matchmaker, likening them to Cupid. Common in casual conversation.
彼が私たちの恋愛のキューピッドだった。
He was the matchmaker for our relationship.
Literally 'intermediary role', used for someone who facilitates introductions, including romantic ones. More neutral than 仲人.
友達が仲介役になってくれた。
My friend acted as a matchmaker for us.
Refers to a deity of matchmaking, but can be used humorously for a person who is good at bringing couples together.
彼女は縁結びの神様みたいだ。
She's like a matchmaking goddess.
A person or company that professionally matches people for marriage, often using databases or events.
A marriage consultation agency; the staff are essentially professional matchmakers. This is the most common term for modern matchmaking services.
結婚相談所に登録した。
I registered with a matchmaking agency.
Matchmaking parties where singles meet; the organizers act as matchmakers. Often shortened to 婚活パーティー.
お見合いパーティーで出会った。
We met at a matchmaking party.
The business of matchmaking; a professional matchmaker can be called 仲人業者.
彼は仲人業を営んでいる。
He runs a matchmaking business.
仲人 is the everyday term for a matchmaker in arranged marriages. 媒酌人 is more formal and often used specifically for the person who officiates or speaks at the wedding ceremony.
仲人は両家の間を取り持つ。
The matchmaker mediates between the two families.
媒酌人が新郎新婦を紹介した。
The matchmaker introduced the bride and groom.
Using 仲人 for a friend who introduces you to someone might sound overly formal or old-fashioned. Use 恋愛のキューピッド or 仲介役 instead.
友達が仲介役になってくれた。
My friend played matchmaker.
彼女は同僚のために仲人役を務めた。
She acted as a matchmaker for her colleague.
仲人役 can be used for informal matchmaking, but 仲介役 is more common.
彼らはプロの仲人を雇った。
They hired a professional matchmaker.