Translation guide
In Japanese, referring to an ex-wife depends heavily on context, formality, and the relationship with the listener. The most common and neutral term is 元妻 (mototsuma), but in casual conversation, 元嫁 (motoyome) is also used. When speaking to family or close friends, simply using the ex-wife's name or describing the situation is often more natural than a specific label.
To refer to one's ex-wife in a neutral or formal context, such as in official documents, polite conversation, or when the relationship is not particularly close.
The standard, neutral term for 'ex-wife'. Suitable for most situations, including formal ones.
彼は元妻と子供の養育費について話し合った。
He discussed child support with his ex-wife.
Literally 'previous wife'. Often used in formal or legal contexts, or when contrasting with a current wife. Can sound slightly more detached than 元妻.
前妻との間に子供が一人います。
I have one child with my previous wife.
To refer to one's ex-wife in casual conversation with friends or peers.
A common colloquial term for 'ex-wife'. 嫁 (yome) originally means 'bride' or 'daughter-in-law', but is widely used informally to mean 'wife'. This term is casual and may carry a slightly rough or familiar tone.
元嫁が再婚したらしいよ。
I heard my ex-wife got remarried.
To refer to an ex-wife without using a specific label, which is often more natural in Japanese, especially when the listener knows the person or the situation.
In many contexts, especially when the listener knows the ex-wife, simply using her name is the most natural way to refer to her. This avoids the potentially negative connotations of labels like 元妻.
昨日、花子さんに偶然会ったんだ。
I ran into Hanako (my ex-wife) yesterday.
When the listener doesn't know the ex-wife, you can describe the relationship using phrases like 別れた妻 (waka reta tsuma, 'the wife I separated from') or 離婚した妻 (rikon shita tsuma, 'the wife I divorced'). This is clear and neutral.
別れた妻が子供を引き取った。
My ex-wife (the wife I separated from) took custody of the kids.
To refer to an ex-wife in legal or official contexts, such as on forms or in court.
Literally 'divorced wife'. This is a clear, factual description suitable for official documents or when precision is required.
離婚した妻の住民票を取得する。
Obtain the residence certificate of my divorced wife.
As mentioned, 前妻 is common in legal contexts, especially when there is a subsequent marriage.
前妻との離婚が成立した。
The divorce with my previous wife was finalized.
While 元妻 is correct, using it in casual conversation can sound stiff or overly formal. With friends, 元嫁 or simply using her name is more natural.
Both mean 'ex-wife', but 前妻 often implies a sequence (first wife, second wife) and is more common in formal/legal contexts. 元妻 is more general and neutral.