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.
奥さんはお元気ですか。
How is your wife?
奥さんによろしくお伝えください。
Please give my regards to your wife.
More formal and respectful than 奥さん. Used in business or very polite contexts.
奥様もご一緒にいかがですか。
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.
ゆきこさんは元気？
How's Yukiko? (your wife)
Still acceptable among friends, though slightly more polite than using the name.
奥さん、最近どう？
How's your wife been lately?
Showing high respect, e.g., to a superior's wife.
Very formal and somewhat old-fashioned. Used in writing or very polite speech.
社長の令夫人もご出席されます。
The company president's wife will also attend.
Archaic and highly respectful, rarely used in modern conversation.
御内儀はどちらにいらっしゃいますか。
Where is your 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.