10 Ways to Say Wife in Japanese (2024)

奥さん (Okusan)

When it comes to addressing someone's spouse in Japan, the term "okusan" is the way to go. This word is polite, respectful, and commonly used in formal settings.

But what's even more impressive is that it's not limited to referring to one's own spouse. You can use "okusan" to address someone else's spouse too!

Example Sentences:

彼の奥さんは優しい人です。

(かれのおくさんはやさしいひとです。)

His wife is a kind person.

僕の奥さんはとても美人です。

(ぼくのおくさんはとてもびじんです。)

My wife is very beautiful.

私たちは一緒に奥さんの実家に行きました。

(わたしたちはいっしょにおくさんのじっかにいきました。)

We went to my wife's parents' house together.

妻 (Tsuma)

This word means "wife" or "spouse" and is a more formal term than "okusan". It is often used in legal or official documents and public speeches.

The term "tsuma" carries significant cultural weight in Japanese society and emphasizes the importance of marriage and family values.

Example Sentences:

彼の妻は会社員です。

(かれのつまはかいしゃいんです。)

His wife is a company employee.

私の妻は専業主婦です。

(わたしのつまはせんぎょうしゅふです。)

My wife is a housewife.

彼女は私の妻です。

(かのじょはわたしのつまです。)

She is my wife.

夫人 (Fujin)

"Fujin" is a formal and respectful way of addressing one's wife. It is commonly used in business or political settings to refer to the spouse of a person of higher rank or status.

This term is slightly more formal than "tsuma" and has a connotation of admiration or respect for the subject's wife.

Example Sentences:

山田夫人はとても美しい方です。

(やまだふじんはとてもうつくしいかたです。)

Mrs. Yamada is a very beautiful person.

夫人のお母さんはお元気ですか？

(ふじんのおかあさんはおげんきですか？)

How is your mother-in-law, Mrs.?

私たちは夫人の誕生日にプレゼントを贈りました。

(わたしたちはふじんのたんじょうびにぷれぜんとをおくりました。)

We gave a present to my wife on her birthday.

かみさん (Kamisan)

The term "kamisan" is a way for husbands to express their affection for their wives in Japanese culture.

This term is rooted in the traditional gender roles in Japan, where the wife is expected to take care of the household and support her husband.

"Kamisan" is a way for husbands to acknowledge their wives' contributions to the family and show their love and appreciation.

Example Sentences:

かみさんと一緒に旅行に行きたいです。

(かみさんといっしょにりょこうにいきたいです。)

I want to go on a trip with my wife.

かみさんが作る料理はいつも美味しいです。

(かみさんがつくるりょうりはいつもおいしいです。)

The food my wife makes is always delicious.

昨日、かみさんと一緒に買い物に行った。

(きのう、かみさんといっしょにかいものにいった。)

Yesterday, I went shopping with my wife.

お母さん (Okaasan)

"Okaasan" is a Japanese word with dual meanings; it can refer to both "mother" and "spouse," particularly in intimate or family contexts. The term is a warm and affectionate way of addressing one's significant other in Japanese culture.

Its use is not limited to family settings and can also be used by partners to refer to each other.

The term is commonly used in Japan and is deeply ingrained in the country's culture.

Example Sentences:

お母さん、ご飯の準備を手伝ってくれる？

(おかあさん、ごはんのじゅんびをてつだってくれる？)

Mom, can you help me prepare dinner?

お母さんと父さんは仲が良いです。

(おかあさんととうさんはなかがいいです。)

My parents get along well.

お母さん、今日もありがとう。

(おかあさん、きょうもありがとう。)

Thank you for today, dear.

家内 (Kanai)

"Kanai" is a term used in Japanese culture to respectfully address one's spouse. It conveys a sense of responsibility and loyalty towards one's partner and is considered a formal way to address a spouse.

Although the term is not as commonly used today, it is still prevalent in some areas of Japan.

Example Sentences:

私の家内は専業主婦です。

(わたしのかないはせんぎょうしゅふです。)

My wife is a housewife.

彼の家内はとても美人です。

(かれのかないはとてもびじんです。)

His wife is very beautiful.

家内の誕生日にはいつも花を贈ります。

(かないのたんじょうびにはいつもはなをおくります。)

I always give flowers to my wife on her birthday.

配偶者 (Haiguusha)

"Haiguusha" is a legal term used in Japan to describe a spouse. This formal term is used in official documents like marriage certificates and divorce papers.

The term applies to both husbands and wives and is recognized by the Japanese legal system.

While it may be less commonly used in everyday conversation, it is an important term to know if you are living or working in Japan and dealing with legal paperwork related to marriage or divorce.

Example Sentences:

配偶者には夫婦の信頼関係が求められる。

(はいぐうしゃにはふうふのしんらいかんけいがもとめられる。)

A relationship of trust between spouses is required.

配偶者との関係がうまくいかないときは、専門家に相談しましょう。

(はいぐうしゃとのかんけいがうまくいかないときは、せんもんかにそうだんしましょう。)

If your relationship with your spouse is not going well, consult a professional.

私の配偶者は海外出張が多い。

(わたしのはいぐうしゃはかいがいしゅっちょうがおおい。)

My spouse goes on business trips abroad frequently.

連れ合い (Tsureai)

"Tsureai" is a Japanese word that can be translated to "spouse," "partner," or "companion," depending on the context. This term is commonly used in spoken Japanese to refer to a husband or wife in a casual and friendly way.

However, it may not be appropriate for formal writing, and in such situations, other words like "haiguusha" or "tsuma" may be more suitable.

Example Sentences:

連れ合いと一緒に旅行に行くのが楽しみだ。

(つれあいといっしょにりょこうにいくのがたのしみだ。)

I'm looking forward to going on a trip with my spouse.

連れ合いの誕生日にはいつもプレゼントを用意する。

(つれあいのたんじょうびにはいつもぷれぜんとをよういする。)

I always prepare a present for my spouse's birthday.

連れ合いとの時間はとても大切だ。

(つれあいとのじかんはとてもたいせつだ。)

Time with my spouse is very important.

嫁 (Yome)

"Yome" is a Japanese term that has multiple meanings, including "bride," "daughter-in-law," and "wife," depending on the situation. It is used in situations, such as formal family introductions or traditional weddings.

In daily conversations, however, other terms such as "tsuma" or "kanai" are more commonly used to refer to one's spouse.

Example Sentences:

彼の嫁は若くて美人だ。

(かれのよめはわかくてびじんだ。)

His wife is young and beautiful.

彼女は嫁として入ってきた。

(かのじょはよめとしてはいってきた。)

She came in as a bride.

嫁は家事全般を担当しています。

(よめはかじぜんぱんをたんとうしています。)

My wife is in charge of all household chores.

女房 (Nyobo)

The term "Nyobo" is an honorific way of referring to one's wife. It is often used by older people and can be seen as a polite and respectful way to address one's wife.

This term is commonly used in formal family introductions or traditional weddings, but not as much in everyday conversations.

Example Sentences:

私のお父さんは女房にいつも叱咤激励しています。

(わたしのおとうさんはにょうぼにいつもしったげきれいしています。)

My father always encourages his wife.

女房と一緒に毎日を過ごすのは幸せです。

(にょうぼといっしょにまいにちをすごすのはしあわせです。)

It is a blessing to spend every day with my wife.

女房と一緒に夕食を作ったり、映画を観たりして楽しんでいます。

(にょうぼといっしょにゆうしょくをつくったり、えいがをみたりしてたのしんでいます。)

I enjoy making dinner and watching movies with my wife.

Final Thoughts

And that's just a few of the terms used to refer to one's wife in Japanese.

Whether it's a formal term like "Haiguusha," an informal term like "Tsureai," or a respectful term like "Nyobo," each word has its own place and purpose.

Whichever one you decide to use, it's important to be respectful and kind to your spouse.