姑
also: しゅうと · しうとめ · しいとめ
Meanings
1
Refers specifically to one's spouse's mother. The term is neutral but can carry traditional connotations of a strict or meddlesome figure in family contexts.
See also: 舅
Living with one's mother-in-law is tough.
She is caring for her mother-in-law.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉が姑にいじめられるto be mistreated/bullied by one's mother-in-law
She is troubled by being mistreated by her mother-in-law.
- 姑と仲が悪いto not get along with one's mother-in-law
I don't get along with my mother-in-law, so going back to her house is stressful.
- 姑に気を使うto be careful of/considerate toward one's mother-in-law's feelings
Since getting married, I'm always careful about my mother-in-law's feelings.