1. Introduction
When it comes to marriage, culture and language often play an important role in how couples refer to one another. In Japan, the traditional term used for a wife is “okusan” (奥さん). This term has been around since ancient times and is still commonly used today, although it has different connotations depending on the situation and context in which it is used. In this article, we will explore what Japanese call their wives and how these terms are used in different contexts.
2. What is the Traditional Japanese Term for Wife?
The most common term that Japanese people use to refer to their wives is okusan (奥さん). This term literally translates to “the lady of the house” or “the mistress of the house”. It implies that the wife is responsible for managing the household and taking care of her husband’s needs. This term can also be used as a title when addressing someone else’s wife.
3. How Do Japanese Men Refer to Their Wives?
Japanese men typically refer to their wives as okusan (奥さん) or tsuma (妻). The former implies respect for their partner while the latter suggests a more intimate relationship between husband and wife. Men may also refer to their wives using endearing terms such as “my love”, “my darling” or “my dearest”.
4. How Do Japanese Women Refer to Their Husbands?
Japanese women typically refer to their husbands as shujin (主人), goshujin-sama (ご主人様) or otto (夫). The former two terms imply respect for their partner while otto suggests a more intimate relationship between husband and wife. Women may also refer to their husbands using endearing terms such as “my love”, “my darling” or “my dearest”.
5. Other Terms Used in Japan to Refer To a Spouse
In addition to okusan, tsuma, shujin, goshujin-sama and otto, there are other terms that can be used when referring to one’s spouse in Japan. Some examples include kanai (家内), meaning “inside the home”; kazoku (家族), meaning “family”; koibito (恋人), meaning “lover”; hito no naka no hitori (一の中の一人), meaning “one among many”; and aijin (愛人), meaning “lover” or “beloved person”.
6. Why Are Different Terms Used in Japan For Spouses?
The use of different terms for spouses reflects both cultural norms and social expectations in Japan. For example, okusan implies respect for one’s partner while tsuma suggests intimacy between husband and wife – something that is highly valued in Japanese culture. Similarly, shujin implies respect from the female partner towards her male counterpart while otto suggests an intimate connection between them both. Additionally, many of these terms are gender-specific – with men using male-specific words such as tsuma or otto and women using female-specific words such as shujin or goshujin-sama – reflecting traditional gender roles within Japanese society which continue today despite changing attitudes towards gender equality over time.
7 Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several words that can be used when referring to one’s spouse in Japan – ranging from traditional terms such as okusan or tsuma which have been around since ancient times through to more modern expressions like koibito or aijin which reflect changing attitudes towards relationships over time. Regardless of which word is chosen however, they all reflect cultural norms regarding respect for one’s partner as well as social expectations concerning intimacy between husband and wife – something that remains highly valued within Japanese society today despite changing attitudes towards gender equality over time.
8 Sources
https://www3.nhk.orjp/news/web_tokushu/2015_0203/index1html
https://www3ejapaneseorg/glossary/term/okusan
https://wwwenacademiccom/dicjsr/shujin
What do Japanese married couples call each other?
Since the Japanese dont really have intimate terms they borrowed the word from English. Daarin is a gender neutral nickname so both male and female friends can call each other this. Even married couples affectionately call their spouses this.
How do Japanese call their partners?
In Japanese you often use -ちゃん or -くん or just call them by their name. You can also refer to other people as 彼 (kare male or female friend) and 何女 (kanjo female or female friend).
What does Japanese call their girlfriend?
kanojo
The standard Japanese word for girlfriend is kanojo (彼女 / かのじょ). This word can be used by anyone in different settings.
Do Japanese take wifes name?
Japanese law stipulates that married couples must have the same surname as their husband or wife. It seems that every country except Japan requires married couples to have the same surname.
What is a sweet name to call your wife?
Some go the classic route with names like Angel Girl and Girl while others prefer food-inspired names like Cookie and Cupcake and Light of My Life.
What do husbands call their wife?
Significant other: A common way of referring to someone with whom you have a close relationship. Spouse: Your spouse or partner in marriage or life. Spouse: A playful way of referring to your husband. Wife: A playful way of referring to your wife.