Translation guide
In Japanese, there is no single word for 'sister-in-law'. The term depends on whose sister she is (your spouse's sister or your sibling's wife) and the relative age or politeness context. This guide covers the most common ways to refer to or talk about your sister-in-law.
Referring to the sister of your husband or wife.
Literally 'younger sister-in-law'. Used when your spouse's sister is younger than you or your spouse. This is a descriptive term, not a direct address.
妻の義理の妹は大学生です。
My wife's younger sister-in-law is a college student.
Literally 'older sister-in-law'. Used when your spouse's sister is older than you or your spouse.
夫の義理の姉は医者です。
My husband's older sister-in-law is a doctor.
When addressing your spouse's sister directly, use her given name or family name with さん. This is the most natural and polite way.
花子さん、お茶はいかがですか。
Hanako, would you like some tea?
Specifically refers to one's husband's sister. Can carry a nuance of a meddlesome or difficult sister-in-law, often used in contexts of family dynamics.
小姑との関係に悩んでいます。
I'm struggling with my relationship with my sister-in-law (husband's sister).
Referring to the wife of your brother or sister.
Used when your sibling's wife is younger than you. This is a descriptive term.
兄の義理の妹はとても親切です。
My older brother's wife (my sister-in-law) is very kind.
Used when your sibling's wife is older than you.
弟の義理の姉は料理が上手です。
My younger brother's wife (my sister-in-law) is good at cooking.
When addressing your sibling's wife directly, use her given name or family name with さん. This is the standard polite address.
由美さん、今度一緒に食事に行きませんか。
Yumi, would you like to go out for a meal together sometime?
Specifically means 'older brother's wife'. Commonly used when talking about your brother's wife.
Specifically means 'younger brother's wife'. Less common than 兄嫁 but used in similar contexts.
When the exact relationship is unclear or you want a general term.
A general term for 'sister-in-law' (either side). Literally 'sisters by marriage'. Not used for direct address.
義理の姉妹が二人います。
I have two sisters-in-law.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all meanings of 'sister-in-law'. Using 義理の姉妹 is possible but often sounds vague. It's better to specify the relationship using age-relative terms or specific words like 兄嫁.
In Japanese, family terms are rarely used to address in-laws directly. Instead, use their name + さん. For example, if your sister-in-law is named Hanako, call her 花子さん. Using 義理の妹 or similar to address her would be unnatural.
兄嫁は子供が二人います。
My sister-in-law (older brother's wife) has two children.
弟嫁は来月出産予定です。
My sister-in-law (younger brother's wife) is due to give birth next month.