Translation guide
The practice of having more than one spouse at the same time. In Japanese, the general term is 複婚 (ふくこん), but more specific terms like 一夫多妻 (いっぷたさい) for polygyny and 一妻多夫 (いっさいたふ) for polyandry are used. The concept is often discussed in cultural, legal, or religious contexts.
Referring to the practice of having multiple spouses in general, without specifying gender.
The most direct and neutral term for polygamy, used in academic, legal, and general contexts.
Polygamy is prohibited in many countries.
Loanword from English, used in some sociological or international contexts, but less common than 複婚.
Polygamy is a subject of study in cultural anthropology.
Specifically referring to a marriage where one man has multiple wives.
Specifically referring to a marriage where one woman has multiple husbands.
Referring to the crime of marrying someone while already legally married to another person.
The legal term for bigamy, meaning 'double marriage'. Used in criminal law contexts.
Bigamy is prohibited by law.
複婚 (polygamy) is a broad term for any form of plural marriage, while 重婚 (bigamy) specifically refers to the illegal act of marrying someone while already married. In everyday conversation, 重婚 is more commonly encountered due to its legal implications.
He was prosecuted for bigamy.
When discussing polygamy in a religious or historical context, 一夫多妻 is often the most appropriate term. For general or comparative discussions, 複婚 is preferred. Avoid using ポリガミー unless in a specifically international or academic setting.
Refers to the system or institution of polygyny, often used in historical or legal contexts.
Polygyny was historically seen in many societies.
Polyandry is a very rare form of marriage.