Translation guide
In Japanese, referring to someone's wife depends on the relationship and politeness level. The most common and neutral term is 奥さん (okusan). For formal situations, 奥様 (okusama) is used. When speaking to close friends or family, 家内 (kanai) can be used for one's own wife, but for 'your wife', 奥さん is standard. Avoid direct translations like あなたの妻 (anata no tsuma), which sounds unnatural.
Referring to the wife of the person you are speaking to in a neutral or polite way.
The standard, polite way to say 'your wife'. Safe to use in most situations.
How is your wife?
Please give my regards to your wife.
More formal and respectful than 奥さん. Used in business or very polite contexts.
Would your wife like to join us as well?
Talking to a close friend or family member about their wife.
In casual settings, it's common to refer to someone's wife by her name with さん, especially if you know her.
How's Yukiko? (your wife)
Still acceptable among friends, though slightly more polite than using the name.
How's your wife been lately?
Showing high respect, e.g., to a superior's wife.
While 妻 (tsuma) means 'wife', using あなたの妻 sounds overly direct and unnatural. Japanese prefers 奥さん or the person's name + さん.
家内 is a humble term used only for one's own wife. Never use it to refer to someone else's wife. For 'your wife', always use 奥さん or 奥様.