Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Wedding" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "wedding", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
結婚式
けっこんしき (kekkonshiki)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
祝言
しゅうげん (shūgen)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "wedding" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 結婚式 and 祝言.
In Japanese, 結婚式 (けっこんしき (kekkonshiki)) is typically associated with "wedding ceremony" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents The formal ceremony where two people get married, often including a reception. 例: 結婚式に出席する.
On the other hand, 祝言 (しゅうげん (shūgen)) maps to "wedding; marriage celebration; congratulatory address" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents An older, more formal term for a wedding or marriage ceremony, often carrying a traditional or celebratory nuance.. A literal translation of "wedding" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "結婚式"
来月、友達の結婚式に招待されました。
I was invited to my friend's wedding ceremony next month.
Bilingual Context for "祝言"
村中が二人の祝言を心から祝った。
The entire village heartily celebrated their wedding.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "来月、友達の ＿＿＿ に招待されました。" (Meaning: "I was invited to my friend's wedding ceremony next month.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "結婚式" fits here because it means "wedding ceremony" in the context of: "I was invited to my friend's wedding ceremony next month.". "祝言" represents "wedding; marriage celebration; congratulatory address".