Translation guide
A man whose wife has died and who has not remarried.
Referring to a man whose wife has died
The most common and neutral word for a widower. Can be used in everyday conversation.
彼は男やもめです。
He is a widower.
男やもめの生活は大変だ。
Life as a widower is tough.
A more formal or written term, often used in official documents or literature.
彼は寡夫として年金を受け取っている。
He receives a pension as a widower.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'a man who lost his wife'. Natural and clear, especially when the term 'widower' might not be understood.
妻を亡くした男性のためのサポートグループがあります。
There is a support group for men who have lost their wives.
A gender-neutral term for a widowed person, but can refer to a widower in context. Less specific; '男やもめ' is preferred for clarity.
あの人はやもめだ。
That person is a widower/widow.
男やもめ is the everyday word, while 寡夫 is formal and often used in legal or statistical contexts. In casual speech, 男やもめ is more natural.
彼は男やもめだけど、元気に暮らしている。
He's a widower, but he's living cheerfully.
寡夫控除の申請方法を教えてください。
Please tell me how to apply for the widower deduction.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches 'widower' in all contexts. Using 男やもめ is the safest choice, but in formal writing, 寡夫 may be expected. The phrase 妻を亡くした男性 is always safe and clear.