Translation guide
In Japanese, how you refer to your husband depends heavily on the situation and who you are talking to. There is no single direct translation for "one's husband."
You are talking about your husband to a neighbor, colleague, or acquaintance.
The most common and neutral way to refer to your own husband in polite conversation. Literally means 'master,' but is standard.
主人は今、出かけています。
My husband is out right now.
A neutral, slightly more formal or written term for 'husband.' Used in official contexts or when you want to sound more modern/equal than 主人.
夫は会社員です。
My husband is an office worker.
Casual, friendly way to refer to your husband. Common in informal conversation, but can sound a bit rough or old-fashioned to some.
うちの旦那は料理が上手なんだ。
My husband is good at cooking.
Slangy, playful abbreviation of ハズバンド (husband). Used mainly by younger women online or in very casual talk.
ハズとデートなう。
On a date with my hubby now.
You are talking about the husband of the person you are speaking to, or a third person's husband.
Polite way to refer to someone else's husband. The prefix ご adds respect.
ご主人はお元気ですか。
How is your husband?
A friendly, polite way to refer to someone else's husband. Less formal than ご主人.
隣の旦那さん、いつも挨拶してくれるよ。
The neighbor's husband always says hello.
Neutral term for 'husband' when referring to a third person's spouse, especially in writing or formal contexts. Not used directly to address the person.
You are speaking to your husband.
Most common in modern Japanese. You would typically call your husband by his given name, often with さん or くん attached, or a pet name.
太郎、ご飯できたよ。
Taro, dinner's ready.
あなた、ちょっと来て。
Honey, come here a sec.
Means 'you,' but traditionally used by wives to address husbands. Can sound old-fashioned or distant nowadays; still used by some couples.
あなた、今日は早いのね。
You're home early today, dear.
Used by wives when speaking to their husband in front of children, or as a habit even without kids. Means 'dad.'
パパ、ちょっと手伝って。
Honey, help me a bit.
Filling out forms, official records, or very formal writing.
The standard term used in all official documents, such as family registers, resumes, and legal papers.
配偶者（夫）の名前を記入してください。
Please fill in the name of your spouse (husband).
Gender-neutral term for 'spouse.' Often used in official contexts when the gender is not specified or to be inclusive.
主人 without the honorific prefix ご refers to your own husband. Using it for someone else's husband is rude. Always use ご主人 or 旦那さん for others.
When the context is clear, Japanese speakers often omit the subject. You don't always need to say 'my husband' if it's obvious who you're talking about.
Her husband is a doctor.
配偶者がいる場合はチェックを入れてください。
Check the box if you have a spouse.