Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'one's legal wife' is expressed through specific nouns and phrases that emphasize the formal, registered nature of the marriage. The most common and neutral term is 妻 (tsuma), but other terms carry nuances of formality, respect, or legal context.
To refer to one's own legal wife in a neutral, everyday context.
The standard, neutral word for 'wife' used when referring to one's own wife. It implies a legal spouse in most contexts.
My wife is a teacher.
妻と相談します。
I'll discuss it with my wife.
To explicitly state that the wife is legally recognized, often in official documents or formal speech.
Literally 'legal wife', used in formal or legal contexts to distinguish from common-law or de facto partners.
彼女は彼の法律上の妻です。
She is his legal wife.
Refers to a legal wife, often in contrast to a concubine or mistress. Can sound old-fashioned or literary.
彼には正妻と愛人がいる。
He has a legal wife and a mistress.
Similar to 正妻, meaning 'legal wife' as opposed to a mistress. Less common in modern usage.
To refer to another person's legal wife politely.
The standard polite term for someone else's wife. It inherently implies a legal spouse in most contexts.
田中さんの奥さんにお会いしました。
I met Mr. Tanaka's wife.
A more formal and respectful version of 奥さん, used for someone of higher status or in very polite settings.
To refer to one's own legal wife in a humble manner, often in formal situations.
A humble term for one's own wife, traditionally used by men. It implies a legal spouse. Note: Some consider it old-fashioned or sexist.
Can be perceived as old-fashioned or sexist; 妻 is safer in modern contexts.
家内がいつもお世話になっております。
My wife is always indebted to you (for your kindness).
A very humble, self-deprecating term for one's own wife. Rarely used in modern speech.
愚妻の手料理です。
It's my humble wife's home cooking.
In everyday conversation, simply using 妻 (tsuma) for your own wife or 奥さん (okusan) for someone else's wife is sufficient. Adding 'legal' explicitly (法律上の) is only necessary in formal or legal contexts where distinction from common-law marriage is required.
Use 妻 when talking about your own wife. Use 奥さん (or 奥様) when talking about someone else's wife. Using 妻 for another person's wife can sound rude or overly familiar.
本妻の座を守る。
To protect one's position as the legal wife.
社長の奥様はとても親切です。
The company president's wife is very kind.