Translation guide
In Japanese, referring to one's own spouse depends heavily on formality, gender of the speaker, and the social context. Unlike English, there is no single neutral word for 'my spouse' that works in all situations. The most common and neutral term in casual conversation is 夫 (otto) for 'my husband' and 妻 (tsuma) for 'my wife'. In formal settings, different terms are used to show respect to the listener.
The speaker is referring to their own husband in casual or neutral conversation with friends, family, or acquaintances.
The standard, neutral word for 'my husband' used when speaking to people outside your family. It is humble and appropriate in most everyday situations.
夫は会社員です。
My husband is an office worker.
夫と買い物に行きました。
I went shopping with my husband.
A common, slightly more casual word for 'my husband'. It can sound a bit rough or old-fashioned in some contexts, but is widely used in informal speech.
うちの旦那は料理が上手なんです。
My husband is good at cooking.
Literally 'master', this is a traditional humble term for 'my husband'. It is still commonly used, especially by older generations, but some consider it old-fashioned or patriarchal.
主人は今、出かけております。
My husband is out right now.
The speaker is referring to their own wife in casual or neutral conversation.
The standard, neutral word for 'my wife' used when speaking to people outside your family. It is humble and appropriate in most everyday situations.
妻は看護師です。
My wife is a nurse.
妻と映画を見ました。
I watched a movie with my wife.
A traditional humble term for 'my wife', literally meaning 'inside the house'. It is still used, but can be seen as old-fashioned or implying a housewife role.
A very casual, sometimes rough term for 'my wife', often used by older men. It can sound humorous or self-deprecating.
The speaker is referring to their spouse in a formal situation, such as a business setting, or when showing respect to the listener.
Even in formal contexts, 夫 is the standard humble term for 'my husband'. It is safe to use in most polite conversations.
夫が大変お世話になりました。
My husband is very much indebted to you. (formal thanks)
Similarly, 妻 is the standard humble term for 'my wife' in formal contexts.
妻がいつもお世話になっております。
My wife is always in your care. (formal greeting)
A gender-neutral, formal term for 'spouse'. It is used in official documents, legal contexts, or when gender is not specified.
The speaker wants to refer to their spouse without specifying gender, or in a modern, inclusive way.
The loanword 'partner' is increasingly used in Japanese to refer to a spouse or life partner in a gender-neutral way, especially among younger people or in LGBTQ+ contexts.
パートナーと一緒に住んでいます。
I live with my partner.
A traditional, gender-neutral term for 'spouse' or 'life companion'. It is somewhat literary and not commonly used in daily conversation, but it is inclusive and warm.
In Japanese, あなた can mean 'you' or, in very specific contexts, a wife addressing her husband. However, it is never used to mean 'my spouse' when talking about your spouse to others. Using あなた to refer to your spouse in third-person conversation will cause confusion.
When talking about your own spouse to someone outside your family, always use humble forms (夫, 妻, etc.). When talking about someone else's spouse, use honorific forms: ご主人 (go-shujin) for 'your/his/her husband' and 奥さん (okusan) for 'your/his/her wife'. Mixing these up can be rude.
In very casual conversation, especially among close friends, Japanese speakers often refer to their spouse by name + さん/くん etc., or simply by name, rather than using a role word. For example, 'Kenji is...' instead of 'My husband is...'. This can sound more natural in informal settings.
My wife is always in your care. (a common greeting)
うちの女房がうるさくてね。
My wife is so naggy. (joking complaint)
配偶者の有無を記入してください。
Please indicate whether you have a spouse.
長年連れ添った連れ合いを亡くしました。
I lost my spouse of many years.