also: つまこ · めこ
noun
wife and children; one's family
Refers to a man's immediate family, specifically his wife and children. Often used in contexts of responsibility or separation.
彼は妻子を養うために懸命に働いている。
He works hard to support his wife and children.
単身赴任で
He was transferred alone, leaving his wife and children back in his hometown.
noun
Only with reading さいし / めこ
Archaic sense meaning 'wife', restricted to the readings さいし and めこ. In modern Japanese, 妻 (つま) or 家内 (かない) are more common.
古文では「妻子」を「めこ」と読んで妻だけを指すことがある。
In classical texts, 妻子 can be read めこ and refer only to one's wife.