伴侶|はんりょhanryo[1]atamadaka (head-high)

1. nouncompanion; partner; spouse
   二人ふたりは伴侶はんりょ三さん人にんは仲間割なかまわれ。↗

   Two is company, but three is none.

• SynonymパートナーNeutralLoanword covering work or dance partners as well as spouses; common in everyday speech and much broader in range, without the solemn tone of 「伴侶」.
• Synonym配偶者はいぐうしゃWrittenFormal written term for one's legal spouse, as in 「配偶者控除」; the word of documents and paperwork rather than everyday conversation.
• Synonym相棒あいぼうCasualColloquial word for a work partner or buddy, with a friendly feel, and also a jokey way to refer to one's spouse; 「伴侶」 suggests a lifelong companion.
• Synonym同伴者どうはんしゃNeutralA person who accompanies you, as in 「同伴者」; the focus is simply on going along together, with no sense of a lifelong bond.
• SynonymベターハーフNeutralLoanword for one's 'better half'; an affectionate, playful way to refer to a spouse, without the solemn tone of 「伴侶」.
• Related道連れみちづれNeutralA fellow traveler on a journey; it can also mean someone dragged into something against their will, as in 「道連れにする」.
• Related仲間なかまNeutralEveryday word for friends, buddies or comrades; very common, but it refers to companions in general, not specifically a lifelong partner.
• Related同行どうぎょうWrittenWritten word for a fellow pilgrim or practitioner of austerities; familiar from the pilgrimage phrase 「同行二人」.
• Related協力者きょうりょくしゃNeutralA collaborator or ally who works with you toward a goal; it stresses helping get something done and implies no close personal bond.

In everyday talk, call your spouse 「パートナー」 (or 「夫」/「妻」); for legal and procedural contexts use 「配偶者」. 「伴侶」 is the written, solemn word for the companion who shares your life, as in 「人生の伴侶」. 「ベターハーフ」 is a playful word for a spouse and 「相棒」 can jokingly mean one; the rest mostly cover companions in work, travel or cooperation.

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

1. 一緒いっしょに連れ立つれだつ者もの。
2. 配偶者はいぐうしゃ。