Translation guide
Polygyny refers to a form of polygamy where a man has multiple wives. This concept is expressed in Japanese through specific terms and phrases, often with cultural and historical context.
The practice or state of a man having multiple wives simultaneously.
The standard term for polygyny, literally 'one husband, many wives'. Used in formal, academic, or descriptive contexts.
一夫多妻は一部の文化で認められている。
Polygyny is accepted in some cultures.
Loanword from English, used in academic or cross-cultural discussions. Less common than 一夫多妻.
ポリジニーは人類学の研究対象だ。
Polygyny is a subject of anthropological study.
Describing a marriage or family structure where a man has multiple wives.
Literally 'polygynous marriage'. Used to specify the marital arrangement.
彼は一夫多妻の結婚をしている。
He is in a polygynous marriage.
A polygynous family. Used when referring to the family unit.
その村には一夫多妻の家族が多い。
There are many polygynous families in that village.
Describing a man who has multiple wives, often in a narrative or explanatory context.
A natural, descriptive phrase meaning 'has multiple wives'. Suitable for everyday conversation or writing.
彼には複数の妻がいる。
He has multiple wives.
Another way to say 'have multiple wives', slightly more formal or literary.
その王は妻を複数持っていた。
The king had multiple wives.
Referring to polygyny in historical or specific cultural settings, such as in ancient Japan or certain societies.
A concubine or secondary wife, especially in historical East Asian contexts. Often used when discussing polygyny in royal or noble families.
将軍には多くの側室がいた。
The shogun had many concubines.
In everyday conversation, directly saying ポリジニー or 一夫多妻 may sound overly technical. Instead, use descriptive phrases like 複数の妻がいる (has multiple wives) unless the context is academic or formal.
Polygyny (一夫多妻) specifically means one man with multiple wives. Polygamy (複婚 or ポリガミー) is a broader term that includes polygyny and polyandry (一妻多夫). Be careful not to confuse them.
The system or institution of polygyny. Used in historical or sociological discussions.
一夫多妻制は明治時代に禁止された。
Polygyny was prohibited in the Meiji era.