妻子
also: つまこ · めこ
Meanings
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.
He works hard to support his wife and children.
He was transferred alone, leaving his wife and children back in his hometown.
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.
In classical texts, 妻子 can be read めこ and refer only to one's wife.
Usage patterns
- 妻子を養うto support one's wife and children financially
He works at a factory to support his wife and children.
- 妻子を持つto have a wife and children (be married with kids)
As a man with a wife and children, I can't easily quit my job.
- 妻子を残すto leave one's wife and children behind (e.g. when dying or going away)
He left his wife and children behind and headed to the battlefield.
- 妻子と暮らすto live together with one's wife and children
He left the city and now lives with his wife and children in the countryside.
Expressions
- 妻子を携えるto be accompanied by one's family