Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'wife' depends heavily on whose wife you're talking about, the level of formality, and the relationship between the speakers. Using the wrong term can sound rude or overly familiar.
When speaking about your own wife to someone outside your family or in formal situations, use humble terms.
The standard humble term for one's own wife. Safe and neutral in most formal or polite contexts.
My wife is out shopping right now.
Literally 'inside the house'. A traditional humble term, but can sound old-fashioned or sexist to some. Still used, especially by older men.
家内がいつもお世話になっております。
My wife is always indebted to you for your kindness.
Loanword from English, used casually by some men, but can sound affected or jocular.
うちのワイフがね、また新しいレシピを試したんだ。
My wife, you know, tried a new recipe again.
When talking about another person's wife, use honorific terms to show respect.
The most common respectful term for another person's wife. Safe in almost all situations.
山田さんの奥さんは料理が上手ですね。
Mr. Yamada's wife is a good cook, isn't she?
More formal and polite than 奥さん. Often used in business or service contexts, or when referring to the wife of a superior.
Very formal, used mainly in news or official contexts, often with a title or full name.
When speaking directly to your wife, Japanese men rarely use a word for 'wife'. Instead, they use her name, a nickname, or sometimes 'you'.
The most natural way. Calling your wife '妻' or '奥さん' to her face would be odd. Use her given name, often with no honorific, or a pet name.
花子、ちょっと来て。
Hanako, come here a moment.
A very informal 'you' used by some husbands to their wives. Can sound rough or affectionate depending on tone and relationship. Not recommended for learners unless you're sure.
Can be perceived as demeaning if used in the wrong context. Many couples avoid it.
お前、今日の夕飯は何？
Hey, what's for dinner tonight?
Used by some husbands, especially when children are present, or as a habit from when the children were small.
ママ、これ見て。
Honey, look at this.
When the context doesn't require specifying whose wife, or in abstract discussions.
Also used as a general term for 'wife' in neutral contexts, like dictionary definitions or legal documents.
法律では、妻の権利は守られています。
Under the law, a wife's rights are protected.
Formal/legal term for 'spouse', gender-neutral but often used for wife in official documents.
Using 奥さん to refer to your own wife is a common learner mistake. It sounds like you're elevating your own family, which is rude. Always use humble terms like 妻 for your own wife when speaking to outsiders.
Both mean 'my wife', but 家内 has a traditional, housewife connotation. Younger people and women may find it outdated. 妻 is safer and more modern.
This simple rule will keep you polite in almost all situations.
妻は教師です。
My wife is a teacher.
奥さんはお元気ですか。
How is your wife?
社長の奥様はとても上品な方です。
The company president's wife is a very elegant person.
Prime Minister Abe's wife attended the ceremony.
配偶者控除を受けるには条件があります。
There are conditions for receiving the spousal deduction.