Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of monogamy is most commonly expressed with the loanword モノガミー or the native term 一夫一婦制. However, in everyday conversation, people more often describe the practice or ideal of having only one partner using phrases like 一人の人を愛する or 浮気をしない.
To refer to the social or personal practice of monogamy, often in discussions about relationships, marriage, or cultural norms.
The standard Japanese term for monogamy as a social or legal system. It literally means 'one husband, one wife system'. Used in formal or academic contexts.
日本では一夫一婦制が法律で定められている。
In Japan, monogamy is stipulated by law.
The loanword from English, used in similar contexts to the English word, often in discussions about relationships or sociology. Slightly more casual than 一夫一婦制 but still somewhat academic.
最近、モノガミーについての本を読んだ。
I recently read a book about monogamy.
A natural way to express the idea of loving only one person, often used in personal conversations about commitment. Not a direct translation of 'monogamy' but conveys the core concept.
私は一人の人を愛し続けたい。
I want to keep loving only one person.
Literally 'not cheating', this phrase is used to describe monogamous behavior in a relationship. It focuses on fidelity rather than the system of monogamy.
彼は絶対に浮気をしないと約束した。
He promised he would never cheat.
To express the moral or personal value of monogamy, often in the context of relationship expectations.
Means 'to love devotedly' or 'to love single-mindedly'. It emphasizes loyalty and focus on one person, often used in romantic contexts.
彼女は彼を一途に愛している。
She loves him devotedly.
A natural way to say 'to cherish only one person'. It conveys the idea of monogamous commitment without using technical terms.
私はこれからもあなた一人だけを大切にします。
I will continue to cherish only you.
To refer to monogamy in animals, often in scientific or nature contexts.
Used specifically for animals, meaning 'one male, one female'. Common in biology and ethology.
この鳥は一夫一妻で子育てをする。
This bird raises its young monogamously.
Also used in biological contexts, especially in translated materials or popular science.
Using 一夫一婦制 or モノガミー in everyday conversation can sound stiff or academic. Instead, describe the behavior or feeling, e.g., 浮気しない (not cheating) or 一人だけを愛する (love only one person).
一夫一婦制 refers to the human social system of monogamy, while 一夫一妻 is used for animals. Mixing them up can cause confusion in scientific contexts.
モノガミーは哺乳類では珍しい。
Monogamy is rare among mammals.