Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing the idea of searching for a marriage partner involves specific terms for arranged meetings, formal matchmaking, and the broader concept of marriage hunting. The most common modern term is 婚活, but traditional arranged meetings (お見合い) and the role of a matchmaker are also important. This guide covers the key expressions and their nuances.
searching for a marriage partner (modern, proactive)
Most common term for active marriage hunting.
searching for a marriage partner (traditional arranged meeting)
Formal arranged meeting, often with a matchmaker.
The active process of seeking a spouse, often through events, apps, or intentional socializing.
A portmanteau of 結婚 (marriage) and 活動 (activity). This is the standard modern term for actively searching for a marriage partner, similar to 'marriage hunting'. It encompasses attending matchmaking parties, using dating apps, and other proactive efforts.
I recently started marriage hunting.
A straightforward, literal phrase meaning 'to look for a marriage partner'. It is clear and can be used in any context, but 婚活 is more common for the modern, proactive sense.
A formal meeting between two people arranged by a matchmaker or family, with the explicit purpose of considering marriage.
A person who introduces potential marriage partners and facilitates the process.
Expressing the idea of looking for a spouse in a general or less focused way.
婚活 (konkatsu) refers to the modern, self-driven search for a spouse, including activities like attending parties or using apps. お見合い (omiai) is a specific, formal arranged meeting, often with a matchmaker. While 婚活 can include お見合い, the terms are not interchangeable.
Attend a matchmaking party.
I'm seriously looking for a marriage partner.
I had an arranged marriage meeting last week.
Exchange photos for an arranged meeting.
The same as お見合い but without the honorific prefix. It is slightly less formal and can be used in neutral descriptions.
Arranged marriages are decreasing.
A matchmaker or go-between who arranges お見合い and often plays a role in the wedding. This is a traditional and respected role.
I was introduced by a matchmaker.
A marriage agency or matchmaking service. This is a modern, commercial equivalent of a traditional matchmaker.
Register with a marriage agency.
I am seeking a marriage partner.
Do an arranged meeting as part of marriage hunting.
婚活 is a casual, modern term. It can be used in everyday conversation. For example, you can say 婚活中 (こんかつちゅう) to mean 'currently looking for a marriage partner'.