Translation guide
The English verb "wed" means to marry or to join in marriage. It is a formal or literary term. In Japanese, the concept is expressed through various verbs and phrases depending on who is marrying whom, the formality, and whether it's a ceremony or the act of becoming married.
Expressing that one person marries another, i.e., enters into a marital relationship.
The most common and neutral way to say 'to marry' or 'to get married'. Can be used for both the act of marrying someone and the state of being married.
He wed his childhood friend last year.
Specifically used when a woman marries and goes to live with her husband's family. It carries a traditional nuance and is less common in modern, urban contexts.
She wed into a family in a distant town.
Literary or archaic term for a man taking a wife. Rarely used in modern conversation.
He wed a beautiful bride.
Expressing that a person, such as a priest or official, performs the ceremony that marries two people.
Expressing a strong commitment or dedication to an idea, principle, or activity, often used in the phrase 'wedded to'.
The English verb 'wed' is formal and somewhat archaic. In most everyday situations, use 結婚する (kekkon suru) instead of trying to find a direct equivalent. Using 娶る or 嫁ぐ in casual conversation will sound unnatural or overly dramatic.
結婚する is the general term for marrying and can be used by anyone. 嫁ぐ is specifically for a woman marrying into a family (traditional), and 娶る is for a man taking a wife (archaic/literary). Stick to 結婚する unless you need a specific nuance.
They were wed in a small ceremony.
She wed her high school sweetheart.
The mayor wed them.
She is wedded to art.