Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of a second marriage is commonly expressed through specific terms that distinguish between remarriage after divorce or widowhood, and the legal or social aspects of marrying again. The most natural and common term is 再婚 (saikon), which is neutral and widely used. Other expressions exist for formal, legal, or literary contexts.
To refer to a second marriage in a general, everyday context, whether after divorce or death of a spouse.
The standard, neutral term for remarriage. Can be used as a noun or a verb (再婚する). Suitable for both spoken and written Japanese.
彼は去年再婚した。
He got remarried last year.
再婚を考えています。
I'm thinking about getting remarried.
Literally 'second marriage'. More descriptive and slightly less formal than 再婚. Often used in casual conversation.
彼女にとっては二度目の結婚です。
This is her second marriage.
To specify a second marriage that occurs after a divorce, often with a nuance of a fresh start.
再婚 covers both remarriage after divorce and after death of a spouse. Context usually makes it clear.
離婚後、彼はすぐに再婚した。
After the divorce, he remarried quickly.
Colloquial phrase meaning 'remarrying after one divorce'. バツイチ (batsu-ichi) is slang for someone who has been divorced once.
彼はバツイチで再婚した。
He remarried after one divorce.
To refer to a second marriage after being widowed.
Again, 再婚 is the standard term. The context of widowhood is usually understood from the situation.
夫を亡くしてから10年後に再婚しました。
She remarried ten years after losing her husband.
An old-fashioned, literary term for a second wife, especially after the first wife's death. Rarely used in modern conversation.
To discuss remarriage in legal documents, formal announcements, or official contexts.
Used in legal and formal settings as well. No special term is required.
再婚禁止期間は法律で定められています。
The waiting period for remarriage is stipulated by law.
Specifically refers to the marriage registration form for a remarriage. Used in administrative contexts.
再婚届を提出する。
Submit a remarriage registration.
The phrase '二番目の結婚' (nibanme no kekkon) is grammatically possible but sounds unnatural. Use 再婚 or 二度目の結婚 instead.
再婚 is more formal and concise, suitable for both speech and writing. 二度目の結婚 is slightly more conversational and descriptive, often used when clarifying that it's not the first marriage.
She married as a second wife.