Translation guide
The practice of having more than one spouse at the same time. In Japanese, the general term is 複婚 (ふくこん), but more specific terms like 一夫多妻 (いっぷたさい) for polygyny and 一妻多夫 (いっさいたふ) for polyandry are used. The concept is often discussed in cultural, legal, or religious contexts.
Referring to the practice of having multiple spouses in general, without specifying gender.
The most direct and neutral term for polygamy, used in academic, legal, and general contexts.
複婚は多くの国で禁止されている。
Polygamy is prohibited in many countries.
Loanword from English, used in some sociological or international contexts, but less common than 複婚.
ポリガミーは文化人類学の研究対象だ。
Polygamy is a subject of study in cultural anthropology.
Specifically referring to a marriage where one man has multiple wives.
The standard term for polygyny, literally 'one husband, multiple wives'. Used in legal, historical, and religious discussions.
一夫多妻は一部の文化で認められている。
Polygyny is accepted in some cultures.
Specifically referring to a marriage where one woman has multiple husbands.
The standard term for polyandry, literally 'one wife, multiple husbands'. Less common than polygyny but used in anthropological contexts.
一妻多夫はチベットの一部で行われている。
Polyandry is practiced in parts of Tibet.
Refers to the system or institution of polyandry.
一妻多夫制は非常に珍しい婚姻形態だ。
Polyandry is a very rare form of marriage.
Referring to the crime of marrying someone while already legally married to another person.
The legal term for bigamy, meaning 'double marriage'. Used in criminal law contexts.
重婚は法律で禁じられている。
Bigamy is prohibited by law.
複婚 (polygamy) is a broad term for any form of plural marriage, while 重婚 (bigamy) specifically refers to the illegal act of marrying someone while already married. In everyday conversation, 重婚 is more commonly encountered due to its legal implications.
彼は重婚で起訴された。
He was prosecuted for bigamy.
When discussing polygamy in a religious or historical context, 一夫多妻 is often the most appropriate term. For general or comparative discussions, 複婚 is preferred. Avoid using ポリガミー unless in a specifically international or academic setting.
Refers to the system or institution of polygyny, often used in historical or legal contexts.
一夫多妻制は歴史的に多くの社会で見られた。
Polygyny was historically seen in many societies.