How to say "marriage" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 結婚けっこんnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbThe broad, neutral word for marriage, covering both the act of getting married and the state of being married; the usual choice in everyday talk unless a more specific sense is meant.
- 婚姻こんいんnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbMarriage as a legal or formal institution — matrimony; found in laws, contracts, and official documents, it names the institution rather than the personal event of getting married.
- 縁結びえんむすびnounNot the everyday word for marriage itself: it means the tying of a bond between two people — matchmaking or a fated romantic tie, as when praying for a good match.
- 嫁入りよめいりnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbA woman's marriage or wedding — a bride marrying, often said of a daughter; it pictures the bride entering her new household, so it is not the neutral word for marriage in general.
- 成婚せいこんnounThe conclusion of a marriage — the point at which a couple actually becomes married; typically seen in announcements or reports that a marriage has taken place, rather than in casual talk.
Use 結婚 for marriage in general; 婚姻 for marriage as a legal institution; 成婚 for a marriage being concluded; 「嫁入り」 for a bride's marriage; and 「縁結び」 for matchmaking rather than marriage itself.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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