Translation guide
A father who stays home to care for the children and manage the household, while his partner works outside the home.
A father who is the primary caregiver and homemaker.
The most direct and common term for a stay-at-home dad. It is a play on 専業主婦 (housewife), replacing 婦 (woman) with 夫 (husband).
彼は専業主夫として、家事と育児を担当している。
He works as a stay-at-home dad, handling housework and childcare.
A shorter form of 専業主夫, meaning 'househusband'. It can be used in casual conversation.
A trendy term for a father who actively participates in childcare. It does not necessarily mean he is a full-time stay-at-home dad, but it is often used in that context.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'a father who devotes himself to housework and childcare'. It is more formal and explanatory.
家事育児に専念する父親が増えている。
The number of fathers who devote themselves to housework and childcare is increasing.
専業主夫 specifically means a full-time stay-at-home dad, while イクメン refers to any father who is actively involved in childcare, regardless of employment status. Use 専業主夫 when emphasizing the role as a homemaker.
彼は専業主夫で、妻が働いている。
He is a stay-at-home dad, and his wife works.
彼は仕事をしながらイクメンとしても頑張っている。
He works while also doing his best as an involved father.
The concept of a stay-at-home dad is still relatively uncommon in Japan, but it is gaining recognition. Using 専業主夫 is clear and widely understood.
Recently, the number of men becoming househusbands has been increasing.
彼はイクメンとして、毎日子供の世話をしている。
As an ikumen, he takes care of the kids every day.