Translation guide
In Japanese, the most common way to refer to a married couple is 夫婦 (fuufu). However, the appropriate term depends on context, formality, and whose couple you're talking about.
Referring to a married couple in a neutral or general sense.
The standard, neutral word for a married couple. Can be used for any couple, including yourself and your spouse.
あの夫婦はとても仲がいい。
That married couple gets along very well.
私たちは夫婦です。
We are a married couple.
A polite term used to refer to someone else's married couple, often with respect. Not used for oneself.
田中夫妻をご招待しました。
We invited Mr. and Mrs. Tanaka.
Humbly referring to your own married couple when speaking to someone outside your group.
While 夫婦 is neutral, it can be used for your own couple. In very formal situations, you might add 私ども (watakushidomo) for extra humility.
私ども夫婦は来月引っ越します。
My wife/husband and I are moving next month.
Specifically referring to a couple who recently got married.
Literally 'newlywed couple'. Used for any couple that has recently married.
隣に新婚夫婦が引っ越してきた。
A newlywed couple moved in next door.
A friendly, slightly casual term for newlyweds. Often used in TV shows or light conversation.
新婚さん、いらっしゃい！
Welcome, newlyweds!
Referring to a couple that has been married for a long time, often with a nuance of familiarity or endearment.
Literally 'old married couple'. Neutral and commonly used.
公園で老夫婦が散歩していた。
An old married couple was taking a walk in the park.
Refers to a mature, middle-aged or older couple, often with a positive connotation of a seasoned relationship.
熟年夫婦の旅行プラン
travel plan for mature couples
When you want to say 'couple' in a romantic sense, but marriage isn't the focus.
Loanword from English 'couple'. Used for dating couples, not necessarily married. Avoid using this if you specifically mean a married couple.
Not specifically 'married couple'; use 夫婦 for clarity.
あのカップルは結婚するらしい。
I heard that couple is getting married.
夫婦 (fuufu) is the general term and can be used for any married couple, including your own. 夫妻 (fusai) is a respectful term used only for other people's couples, similar to 'Mr. and Mrs.' in English. Never use 夫妻 for yourself.
The English word 'couple' can refer to both dating and married couples. In Japanese, カップル typically means a dating couple. If you want to clearly say 'married couple', use 夫婦.