Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing the idea of searching for a marriage partner involves specific terms for arranged meetings, formal matchmaking, and the broader concept of marriage hunting. The most common modern term is 婚活, but traditional arranged meetings (お見合い) and the role of a matchmaker are also important. This guide covers the key expressions and their nuances.
The active process of seeking a spouse, often through events, apps, or intentional socializing.
A portmanteau of 結婚 (marriage) and 活動 (activity). This is the standard modern term for actively searching for a marriage partner, similar to 'marriage hunting'. It encompasses attending matchmaking parties, using dating apps, and other proactive efforts.
最近、婚活を始めました。
I recently started marriage hunting.
婚活パーティーに参加する。
Attend a matchmaking party.
A straightforward, literal phrase meaning 'to look for a marriage partner'. It is clear and can be used in any context, but 婚活 is more common for the modern, proactive sense.
真剣に結婚相手を探しています。
I'm seriously looking for a marriage partner.
A formal meeting between two people arranged by a matchmaker or family, with the explicit purpose of considering marriage.
A formal, arranged meeting between potential marriage partners, often set up by a matchmaker (仲人) or family. It is a traditional practice, though still common today. The honorific prefix お makes it polite.
先週、お見合いをしました。
I had an arranged marriage meeting last week.
お見合い写真を交換する。
Exchange photos for an arranged meeting.
The same as お見合い but without the honorific prefix. It is slightly less formal and can be used in neutral descriptions.
A person who introduces potential marriage partners and facilitates the process.
A matchmaker or go-between who arranges お見合い and often plays a role in the wedding. This is a traditional and respected role.
仲人に紹介してもらった。
I was introduced by a matchmaker.
Expressing the idea of looking for a spouse in a general or less focused way.
A phrase meaning 'seeking a marriage partner', often used in personal ads or profiles. It sounds somewhat formal and public.
結婚相手を募集中です。
I am seeking a marriage partner.
婚活 (konkatsu) refers to the modern, self-driven search for a spouse, including activities like attending parties or using apps. お見合い (omiai) is a specific, formal arranged meeting, often with a matchmaker. While 婚活 can include お見合い, the terms are not interchangeable.
婚活の一環としてお見合いをする。
Do an arranged meeting as part of marriage hunting.
婚活 is a casual, modern term. It can be used in everyday conversation. For example, you can say 婚活中 (こんかつちゅう) to mean 'currently looking for a marriage partner'.
Arranged marriages are decreasing.
A marriage agency or matchmaking service. This is a modern, commercial equivalent of a traditional matchmaker.
結婚相談所に登録する。
Register with a marriage agency.