Translation guide
In Japanese, how you refer to your own wife depends heavily on context, formality, and relationship. Unlike English, there is no single neutral word; you must choose based on who you are talking to.
When speaking to superiors, strangers, or in formal situations, use a humble term to refer to your own wife.
The standard humble term for 'my wife'. Used in formal speech and writing. Neutral and widely accepted.
My wife is out right now.
Literally 'inside the house'. A traditional humble term, but can sound old-fashioned or imply a housewife role. Use with caution.
May be seen as sexist by some; 妻 is safer in modern contexts.
My wife is always indebted to you.
An old-fashioned humble term, now mostly used by older men or in casual, jocular speech among close friends. Can sound rough or archaic.
My old lady is such a nag.
When talking with friends or family, you can use more casual or affectionate terms.
Even in casual settings, 妻 is common and neutral. It doesn't sound overly formal.
My wife wanted to see this movie too.
Literally 'bride' or 'daughter-in-law', but commonly used by husbands (especially younger) to refer to their wife casually. Can be seen as rough or dialectal.
Some women find this term derogatory; avoid in polite company.
Normally used for someone else's wife, but some men use it jokingly or affectionately for their own wife in very casual speech.
Can sound odd or sarcastic; not standard.
When speaking about another person's wife, you must use honorific terms to show respect.
The standard polite term for 'your wife' or 'his wife'. Safe in almost all situations.
Please give my regards to your wife.
More formal and respectful than 奥さん. Used in business or when speaking to someone of higher status.
Very formal, often used in writing or official contexts. Can sound stiff.
In Japanese, it's often more natural to refer to your wife by her name or role, especially in casual or family contexts.
When talking to people who know her, simply using her name is common and avoids the need for a term like 'wife'.
Tomorrow is my wife Hanako's birthday.
When talking to your own children, refer to your wife as お母さん (mom). This is standard within the family.
Go ask your mom.
English learners often try to say 私の妻, but the 私の is usually redundant and unnatural. Simply 妻 is enough when context is clear.
妻 is humble and used for your own wife. 奥さん is honorific and used for someone else's wife. Mixing them up can be rude or confusing.
うちの嫁が作った料理、うまいだろ？
The food my wife made is good, right?
My wife has been really into dieting lately.
社長の奥様はとてもお美しいですね。
The company president's wife is very beautiful.
Mr. Yamada and his wife will attend.