Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Married" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "married", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
既婚
きこん (kikon)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
夫婦
ふうふ (fuufu)
B1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "married" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 既婚 and 夫婦.
In Japanese, 既婚 (きこん (kikon)) is typically associated with "married" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 婚姻関係にある状態を表す言葉で、特にフォーマルな文脈や書類でよく使われます。/ Refers to the state of being in a marital relationship, often used in formal contexts or documents..
On the other hand, 夫婦 (ふうふ (fuufu)) maps to "married couple" (Syllabus Level: B1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "married" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "既婚"
彼女は既婚者なので、もう夫がいます。
She is married, so she already has a husband.
Bilingual Context for "夫婦"
私は夫婦に興味があります。
I am interested in married couple.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼女は ＿＿＿ 者なので、もう夫がいます。" (Meaning: "She is married, so she already has a husband.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "既婚" fits here because it means "married" in the context of: "She is married, so she already has a husband.". "夫婦" represents "married couple".