Translation guide
A person who wants to marry someone, or a person or company that wants to take over another company. In Japanese, the word depends on context: romantic suitors are often described by their role or action, while business suitors use specific terms.
A person who seeks to marry or court someone
She had many suitors. · He was a persistent suitor.
Formal term for a person who proposes marriage. Used in serious contexts.
She had many suitors.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'person who proposes marriage'. More natural in conversation than 求婚者.
He is a suitor who proposed to her.
Refers to a marriage proposal or matchmaking offer. Often used when the suitor is introduced through family or matchmaker.
A suitor (marriage proposal) came up for her.
Literally 'courtship person'. More about romantic pursuit than marriage. Can sound literary or dramatic.
He was an ardent suitor.
A person or company seeking to acquire another company
The company attracted several suitors. · A potential suitor made an offer.
Standard term for an acquirer in a business takeover context.
The company received proposals from multiple suitors.
Descriptive phrase: 'company proposing acquisition'. Clear and natural in business news.
General term for 'buyer', often used in M&A contexts for the acquiring party.
In English, 'suitor' can sound old-fashioned or formal. In Japanese, avoid directly translating 'suitor' in casual dating contexts. Instead, describe the person's actions (e.g., デートに誘う人 'person who asks out on dates') or use 彼氏候補 'boyfriend candidate' if appropriate.
求婚者 (kyūkonsha) specifically means someone who proposes marriage, while 求愛者 (kyūaisha) implies romantic pursuit without necessarily aiming for marriage. 求婚者 is more common and formal.
He was her most persistent suitor.
The company is seeking a white knight suitor.
A suitor (company proposing acquisition) appeared.
その企業は買い手を探している。
The company is looking for a suitor (buyer).