Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'spouse' depends on formality, whose spouse it is, and gender. The most common neutral term is 配偶者, but in daily conversation people usually say 夫 (husband) or 妻 (wife), or use humble/honorific forms depending on the social context.
Referring to a spouse in a formal, legal, or gender-neutral context.
Formal, gender-neutral term for spouse. Used in official documents, news, and legal contexts. Not common in casual conversation.
Please indicate whether you have a spouse.
A somewhat old-fashioned, gender-neutral term for one's spouse. Can sound warm or literary. Used mainly by older generations.
I'm going on a trip with my spouse.
Talking about your own husband in a neutral or humble way.
Standard word for 'my husband'. Used when speaking to others about your own husband. Not used for someone else's husband.
My husband is an office worker.
Humble term for 'my husband'. Traditionally implies 'master', but still widely used by married women. Some consider it old-fashioned or patriarchal.
Can be seen as patriarchal; younger speakers may prefer 夫.
Casual term for 'my husband'. Often used among friends or in informal settings. Can also mean 'master' or 'patron'.
Talking about your own wife in a neutral or humble way.
Standard word for 'my wife'. Used when speaking to others about your own wife. Not used for someone else's wife.
My wife is a nurse.
Humble term for 'my wife'. Literally 'inside the house', reflecting traditional gender roles. Still used but declining among younger generations.
Considered old-fashioned or sexist by some; 妻 is safer.
Casual, somewhat rough term for 'my wife'. Used mainly by older men in informal contexts. Can sound affectionate or gruff.
Referring politely to another person's husband.
Polite term for 'your/his/her husband'. The prefix ご adds respect. Used when talking about someone else's husband.
How is your husband?
Polite but slightly less formal than ご主人. Commonly used in conversation when referring to someone else's husband.
I hear the neighbor's husband is good at cooking.
Referring politely to another person's wife.
Standard polite term for 'your/his/her wife'. Literally 'person of the interior', but widely used without negative connotation.
Please give my regards to your wife.
More formal and respectful than 奥さん. Often used in business or formal settings, or when referring to a superior's wife.
Referring to one's spouse without specifying gender in casual conversation.
Loanword from English 'partner'. Increasingly used by younger people to refer to a spouse or life partner in a gender-neutral way, especially in LGBTQ+ contexts or to avoid traditional gender roles.
I live with my partner.
Originally meaning 'partner' in work or performance (e.g., comedy duo), sometimes used jokingly or affectionately for one's spouse. Very casual.
Words like 夫 (husband) and 妻 (wife) are humble forms used only for your own spouse. Using them for someone else's spouse is impolite. Instead, use ご主人 (husband) or 奥さん/奥様 (wife).
In Japanese, when the subject is clear from context, you often don't need to say 'my spouse'. For example, instead of 'My wife is a teacher', you might just say '妻は教師です' when it's obvious you're talking about your own wife.
Both mean 'my husband', but 主人 is more humble and traditional, while 夫 is neutral and increasingly preferred by younger speakers. In formal situations, 主人 is still common, but 夫 is gaining acceptance.
主人がいつもお世話になっております。
My husband is always indebted to you.
My husband is good at cooking.
家内がいつもお世話になっております。
My wife is always indebted to you.
うちの女房がうるさくてね。
My wife is such a nag.
社長の奥様はとても美しい方です。
The company president's wife is a very beautiful person.
うちの相方がまた遅刻したよ。
My other half was late again.