Translation guide
In Japanese, there is no single word for 'sister-in-law'. The term depends on whose sister she is (your spouse's sister or your sibling's wife) and the relative age or politeness context. This guide covers the most common ways to refer to or talk about your sister-in-law.
My wife's younger sister-in-law is a college student.
Literally 'older sister-in-law'. Used when your spouse's sister is older than you or your spouse.
My husband's older sister-in-law is a doctor.
When addressing your spouse's sister directly, use her given name or family name with さん. This is the most natural and polite way.
Hanako, would you like some tea?
Specifically refers to one's husband's sister. Can carry a nuance of a meddlesome or difficult sister-in-law, often used in contexts of family dynamics.
I'm struggling with my relationship with my sister-in-law (husband's sister).
Referring to the wife of your brother or sister.
Used when your sibling's wife is younger than you. This is a descriptive term.
My older brother's wife (my sister-in-law) is very kind.
Used when your sibling's wife is older than you.
When addressing your sibling's wife directly, use her given name or family name with さん. This is the standard polite address.
Specifically means 'older brother's wife'. Commonly used when talking about your brother's wife.
Specifically means 'younger brother's wife'. Less common than 兄嫁 but used in similar contexts.
When the exact relationship is unclear or you want a general term.
A general term for 'sister-in-law' (either side). Literally 'sisters by marriage'. Not used for direct address.
I have two sisters-in-law.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all meanings of 'sister-in-law'. Using 義理の姉妹 is possible but often sounds vague. It's better to specify the relationship using age-relative terms or specific words like 兄嫁.
In Japanese, family terms are rarely used to address in-laws directly. Instead, use their name + さん. For example, if your sister-in-law is named Hanako, call her 花子さん. Using 義理の妹 or similar to address her would be unnatural.
My younger brother's wife (my sister-in-law) is good at cooking.
Yumi, would you like to go out for a meal together sometime?
兄嫁は子供が二人います。
My sister-in-law (older brother's wife) has two children.
My sister-in-law (younger brother's wife) is due to give birth next month.