How to say "groom" in Japanese

Choosing the right word

婿むこJLPT N1approx.Common
nounCovers 'groom' in the wedding sense — the man getting married. It can also mean 'husband'. Typical context: wedding talk, as in referring to the groom alongside the bride.
別当べっとうCommon
nounFor 'groom' meaning a man who looks after horses, alongside 'footman', 'stableman' and 'equerry'. Not the wedding word; unless that servant role is what you mean, it is seldom the word you want.
繕うつくろうJLPT N1approx.Common
godan verb, transitive verbThe verb: to groom yourself — fix or tidy your hair, clothes or general appearance. Typical context: making yourself presentable before going out or meeting someone.
猿さるたちは互たがいに毛繕けづくろいし合あっている。↗
The monkeys are grooming each other.

婿 is the wedding groom (also 'husband'), 別当 is a groom as a servant who tends horses, and 「繕う」 is the verb 'to groom', i.e. tidy one's hair, clothes or appearance.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese equivalents

婿むこhusband
別当べっとうgroom
馬丁ばていstable boy
厩務員きゅうむいんstable boy
馬取うまとりstablehand
繕うつくろうto fix (hair, clothes, appearance, etc.)
口取りくちとりgroom

JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

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