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.
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.
その会社は複数の買収者から提案を受けた。
The company received proposals from multiple suitors.
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.
彼は彼女にとって最も執拗な求婚者だった。
He was her most persistent suitor.
その会社はホワイトナイトとなる買収者を探している。
The company is seeking a white knight suitor.
彼女には多くの求婚者がいた。
She had many suitors.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'person who proposes marriage'. More natural in conversation than 求婚者.
彼は彼女に結婚を申し込む人だ。
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.
彼女に縁談が持ち上がった。
A suitor (marriage proposal) came up for her.
Literally 'courtship person'. More about romantic pursuit than marriage. Can sound literary or dramatic.
彼は熱心な求愛者だった。
He was an ardent suitor.
Descriptive phrase: 'company proposing acquisition'. Clear and natural in business news.
買収を提案する企業が現れた。
A suitor (company proposing acquisition) appeared.
General term for 'buyer', often used in M&A contexts for the acquiring party.
その企業は買い手を探している。
The company is looking for a suitor (buyer).