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.
彼は去年、幼なじみと結婚した。
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.
彼女は遠くの町へ嫁いだ。
She wed into a family in a distant town.
Literary or archaic term for a man taking a wife. Rarely used in modern conversation.
彼は美しい花嫁を娶った。
He wed a beautiful bride.
Expressing that a person, such as a priest or official, performs the ceremony that marries two people.
Means 'to perform a wedding ceremony'. This is the standard phrase for officiating.
牧師が二人の結婚式を執り行った。
The pastor wed the couple.
Literally 'to approve/recognize the marriage'. Used in legal or formal contexts where an authority sanctions the union.
市長が二人の結婚を認めた。
The mayor wed them.
Expressing a strong commitment or dedication to an idea, principle, or activity, often used in the phrase 'wedded to'.
Means 'to adhere stubbornly to' or 'to be wedded to' an idea or method. Often has a negative connotation of inflexibility.
彼は古いやり方に固執している。
He is wedded to old methods.
Means 'to be devoted to' or 'to be deeply into' something, like an art or philosophy. More positive than 固執.
彼女は芸術に傾倒している。
She is wedded to art.
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.
二人は小さな式で結婚した。
They were wed in a small ceremony.
彼女は高校時代の恋人と結婚した。
She wed her high school sweetheart.