At the A1 level, you usually learn the word 'kekkon' (marriage) first. 'Totsugu' is a bit more advanced because it is specific to women. Think of it as 'to marry and move to a new house.' In Japan, traditionally, when a woman gets married, she leaves her parents' house and goes to her husband's house. 'Totsugu' describes this 'going.' You can remember it as 'Woman + House' in the kanji. Even if you don't use it yet, you might see it in simple stories about princesses or families. It is a 'directional' verb, meaning it shows where the person is going. You use the particle 'ni' for the destination. For example, 'Kyoto ni totsugu' means 'to marry and move to Kyoto.' Just remember: only women use this word for themselves!
At the A2 level, you are starting to learn more about Japanese culture and specific verbs. 'Totsugu' is an important word because it shows the traditional Japanese way of thinking about family. While 'kekkon suru' means 'to get married,' 'totsugu' emphasizes that the woman is joining a new family. You will often see it in the past tense: 'totsuida' (married and moved). For example, 'Ane wa kyonen totsuida' (My older sister married and left home last year). It is a Godan verb, so it conjugates like 'kaku' or 'iku.' The 'gu' ending is a bit special—it changes to 'ida' in the past tense. You might also hear the phrase 'yome ni iku,' which is a more common way to say the same thing in daily life. Use 'totsugu' when you want to sound a little more formal or descriptive about the change in someone's life.
As a B1 learner, you should understand the social implications of 'totsugu.' This word is deeply connected to the 'Ie' system (the traditional Japanese family structure). When a woman 'totsugu,' she isn't just getting married; she is often perceived as becoming a member of her husband's lineage. This is why the word is used with 'ni' followed by a family name, like 'Tanaka-ke ni totsugu.' In B1 level texts, you will see this word used to describe life transitions or the emotions of parents 'giving away' their daughter. It carries a nuance of departure and a new beginning in a different place. It is also important to distinguish it from 'mukoiri' (when a man joins a woman's family). Using 'totsugu' correctly shows that you understand the gendered and directional nature of Japanese verbs related to social status.
At the B2 level, you should be able to appreciate the literary and formal nuances of 'totsugu.' It is frequently used in literature to evoke a sense of tradition, duty, or even the bittersweet nature of leaving one's childhood home. You will encounter it in formal speeches, such as those at a wedding reception (披露宴), where it adds a layer of solemnity. B2 learners should also notice how the word is used metaphorically. For instance, in business or sports, a player or a company might be said to 'totsugu' to a new team or organization, implying a total commitment and a change of 'home.' You should also be aware of the modern debate surrounding the word; some people avoid it because it can imply a woman is 'property' being transferred between houses, making 'kekkon' the preferred neutral term in progressive contexts.
At the C1 level, you should analyze 'totsugu' within the context of Japanese historical linguistics and legal history. The word reflects the Meiji Civil Code's emphasis on the patriarchal household. You should be able to discuss how the usage of 'totsugu' has evolved from the pre-war era to the present day. In C1 level reading, such as classic novels by Natsume Soseki or Tanizaki Jun'ichiro, 'totsugu' is used to define a woman's social destiny and her relationship with her 'shaka' (the family she married into). You should also be comfortable with related archaic terms like 'kasei' (marrying into a house) or 'goshu.' Understanding the subtle difference between 'totsugu' and 'yomeiri'—where 'yomeiri' often focuses on the ceremony and the physical items brought along—is also expected at this level.
At the C2 level, you should have a comprehensive grasp of 'totsugu' including its etymological roots and its role in sociolinguistic discourse. The 'tsugu' element is related to the concept of 'reaching' or 'arriving' (tsuku), emphasizing the finality of the transition. You can use this word to discuss complex themes in Japanese sociology, such as the tension between the traditional 'Ie' system and modern individualistic marriage. A C2 speaker might use 'totsugu' ironically or poetically to critique or highlight traditional values. You should also be able to understand the word in the context of the Imperial House Law (Koushiryuu), where its application has significant political and legal consequences for the succession and the structure of the royal family. Your mastery should extend to identifying the word's presence in high-level academic writing regarding gender roles and family law in East Asia.

嫁ぐ in 30 Sekunden

  • A verb used exclusively for women meaning to marry and join the husband's household.
  • Rooted in traditional Japanese family structures, emphasizing the physical and social move.
  • Commonly used in literature, formal speeches, and historical contexts rather than casual daily talk.
  • Requires the particle 'ni' to indicate the family or location being joined.

The Japanese verb 嫁ぐ (totsugu) is a culturally rich term that translates to "to marry" or "to be wed," but specifically from the perspective of a woman. Unlike the neutral and modern term 結婚する (kekkon suru), which applies to any gender and focuses on the legal or social union, 嫁ぐ carries the weight of history, tradition, and physical movement. Historically, it described the act of a woman leaving her natal home to join the household of her husband. The kanji itself, , is a combination of the radical for 'woman' (女) and the character for 'house' (家), perfectly encapsulating the traditional concept of a woman becoming part of a new family structure.

Cultural Nuance
In the context of the traditional Japanese 'Ie' (family) system, marriage was seen as a merger of households. When a woman 'totsugu', she was effectively removed from her parents' family register (koseki) and entered into her husband's. This is why the word often implies a sense of distance or departure.
Grammatical Direction
The verb usually takes the particle に (ni) to indicate the destination—the family or the location where the bride is going. For example, 'A-san wa Tanaka-ke ni totsuida' (Ms. A married into the Tanaka family).

彼女は遠い異国の地に嫁ぐ決心をした。
(She made the decision to marry and move to a far-off foreign land.)

While modern Japanese society has shifted toward more egalitarian views of marriage, 嫁ぐ remains a powerful literary and formal word. You will find it frequently in novels, classic films, and formal wedding speeches (shukuji). It evokes a sense of solemnity and life-changing transition. It is not a word you would typically use for a casual conversation about a friend getting married last weekend; for that, kekkon shita is much more appropriate. However, if you are discussing the emotional journey of a daughter leaving home, 嫁ぐ is the perfect choice to convey that depth.

娘が嫁ぐ日の朝、父親は一言も話さなかった。
(On the morning of the day his daughter was to be wed and leave, the father did not say a single word.)

Modern Usage
In contemporary Japan, some women find the term 'totsugu' slightly archaic or even patriarchal because it suggests 'belonging' to the husband's house. However, it still holds a romantic or traditional charm in many contexts, particularly in the phrase 'yome ni iku' (going as a bride), which is the more colloquial equivalent.

名家に嫁ぐのは、並大抵の苦労ではない。
(Marrying into a prestigious family is no ordinary hardship.)

Using 嫁ぐ (totsugu) correctly requires an understanding of its intransitive nature and the specific particles that accompany it. Because the word implies movement from one state or place to another, the destination is almost always marked with に (ni). This 'destination' can be a specific family name, a geographical location, or even a metaphorical concept like 'poverty' (as in 'marrying into a poor life').

Pattern 1: [Family Name] + に + 嫁ぐ
This is the most common structure. It indicates the family the woman is joining. Example: '佐藤家に嫁ぐ' (To marry into the Sato family).
Pattern 2: [Location] + に + 嫁ぐ
Used when the marriage involves moving to a specific city or country. Example: 'ロンドンに嫁ぐ' (To marry and move to London).

彼女は代々続く医者の家系に嫁いだ
(She married into a family of doctors that has continued for generations.)

The verb follows the standard Godan (Group 1) conjugation rules. For the past tense, gu changes to ida, resulting in totsuida. For the negative, it becomes totsuganai. Understanding these forms is essential for B1 learners who are moving beyond simple sentence structures into more narrative descriptions.

末娘が嫁いでから、家の中が火の消えたように寂しくなった。
(Since the youngest daughter married and left, the house has become lonely, as if the fire had gone out.)

Polite Form
In formal situations, you would use 嫁ぎます (totsugimasu). For example, in a formal letter announcing a marriage: 'この度、佐藤家に嫁ぎますことになりました' (I have recently come to marry into the Sato family).

姉は山あいの小さな村に嫁ぎ、そこで幸せに暮らしている。
(My older sister married into a small village in the mountains and is living happily there.)

In modern daily life, 嫁ぐ (totsugu) is not as common as 結婚する, but it holds a specific niche in Japanese media and formal culture. If you are a fan of Japanese period dramas (Jidaigeki), you will hear this word in almost every episode. In these historical settings, marriage was a strategic alliance between clans, and a woman 'totsugu' to another house was a major plot point involving duty, sacrifice, and political maneuvering.

Literature and Lyrics
Japanese literature, especially from the Meiji and Taisho eras, uses 'totsugu' to describe the bittersweet transition of a woman's life. Similarly, many Enka (traditional Japanese ballads) songs use this word to express the sorrow of a daughter leaving her parents or the resolve of a woman moving to a snowy northern village to be with her husband.
Wedding Ceremonies
During a traditional Shinto wedding or at the reception (kekkon hiroen), the master of ceremonies or the father of the bride might use 'totsugu' to add a layer of solemnity and tradition to the proceedings. It elevates the conversation from a mere legal status change to a significant life milestone.

「明日は、いよいよ彼のもとへ嫁ぐ日ですね。」
("Tomorrow is finally the day you marry and go to him, isn't it?")

You will also see this word in news reports or biographies of the Imperial Family. When a princess marries a commoner, she must 'totsugu' out of the Imperial House, meaning she loses her royal status and becomes a private citizen. The media often uses 'totsugu' to emphasize the gravity of this transition and the fact that she is leaving the Imperial household to join a new family.

皇族の女性が民間人に嫁ぐ際、様々な儀式が行われる。
(When a female member of the Imperial Family marries a commoner, various ceremonies are held.)

In a more modern, slightly metaphorical sense, you might hear this word in business. Sometimes, when a company is acquired by another or a smaller firm 'joins' a larger conglomerate, people might jokingly or poetically say the company is 'totsugu' to the larger one, implying a loss of independence in exchange for a new home and protection.

The most frequent mistake learners make with 嫁ぐ (totsugu) is applying it to men. In English, the verb 'to marry' is gender-neutral; you can say 'He married her' or 'She married him.' In Japanese, 'totsugu' is strictly directional and gender-specific. Using it for a man is not just a nuance error; it sounds fundamentally wrong to a native speaker's ears.

Mistake 1: The Subject is a Man
Incorrect: 彼は彼女に嫁いだ。 (He 'totsugu-ed' to her.)
Correct: 彼は彼女と結婚した。 (He married her.)
Mistake 2: Incorrect Particle Usage
Learners often use と (to - with) because they translate 'marry with' directly. While 'kekkon suru' uses 'to', 'totsugu' uses に (ni - to/into). Using 'to' with 'totsugu' suggests a mutual movement that the verb doesn't actually support.

× 彼は田中さんに嫁いだ
○ 彼女は田中家に嫁いだ

Another common error is confusing 嫁ぐ (totsugu - verb) with 嫁 (yome - noun). While they share the same kanji, their usage is different. 'Yome' is the noun for 'bride' or 'daughter-in-law'. A common phrase is 'yome ni iku' (to go as a bride), which is synonymous with 'totsugu' but more informal. Learners sometimes mix these up and say 'yome suru', which is incorrect.

Finally, ensure you don't use 'totsugu' for the ceremony itself. You 'totsugu' to a family or a place, but you 'kekkon-shiki wo ageru' (hold a wedding ceremony). 'Totsugu' describes the social and physical transition, not the event with the cake and the dress.

× 教会で嫁いだ
○ 教会で結婚式を挙げた。

Understanding the synonyms and related terms for 嫁ぐ (totsugu) will help you choose the right word for the right social context. Japanese has many ways to say "get married," each with its own level of formality and nuance.

結婚する (Kekkon suru)
The most common and neutral term. Use this for everyone, regardless of gender or the specific family dynamics. It literally means 'to tie the marriage.'
嫁入りする (Yomeiri suru)
Very similar to 'totsugu' but focuses more on the 'entry' into the new home. It is often used to describe the traditional process, including the dowry and the formal move. 'Yomeiri-dougu' refers to the furniture and goods a bride brings with her.
嫁に行く (Yome ni iku)
The colloquial version of 'totsugu'. If you are talking to friends about a sister or a daughter getting married, this is the most natural phrase to use. It literally means 'to go as a bride.'
入籍する (Nyūseki suru)
Literally 'to enter the family register.' This is the legal term for getting married. Many modern couples 'nyūseki' (file the paperwork) on a different day than their wedding ceremony.

「いつか素敵な人のところに嫁ぎたいな。」
("I hope to marry and go to someone wonderful someday.")

For the opposite gender, as mentioned before, use 婿入りする (mukoiri suru) or 婿養子に行く (mukoyōshi ni iku). These terms are used when a man joins the woman's family and often takes her surname, usually to carry on the family business or name if there are no male heirs.

In very formal or archaic settings, you might encounter 縁付く (entsuku), which means to find a match or to be married off. This is rarely used in modern speech but appears in classical literature. Understanding these layers of vocabulary allows you to navigate Japanese social situations with much greater sensitivity and accuracy.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The kanji 嫁 (Woman + House) was created to represent the social reality that a woman's place was defined by the house she belonged to.

Aussprachehilfe

UK tɒtsuːɡuː
US toʊtsuɡu
Flat (Heiban style). The pitch stays relatively level throughout the word in standard Japanese.
Reimt sich auf
tsugu (to succeed) kigu (equipment) kagu (furniture) hagu (to peel) kagu (to smell) shogu (treatment) togu (to sharpen) kogu (to row)
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing 'tsu' as 'su' (e.g., 'tosugu').
  • Stressing the first syllable too heavily.
  • Confusing the 'gu' with 'ku' (e.g., 'totsuku').
  • Applying English 'marry' stress patterns.
  • Failing to devoice the 'u' in 'tsu' slightly in fast speech.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

The kanji is N2 level, but the word itself is common in B1 level literature and media.

Schreiben 4/5

Writing the kanji '嫁' requires attention to the 'house' part (家).

Sprechen 3/5

Easy to pronounce, but requires cultural context to use correctly without sounding awkward.

Hören 3/5

Common in dramas and news about the Imperial family.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

結婚 (kekkon) 嫁 (yome) 家 (ie) 女 (onna) 行く (iku)

Als Nächstes lernen

婿入り (mukoiri) 縁談 (endan) 披露宴 (hiroen) 結納 (yuinou) 仲人 (nakodo)

Fortgeschritten

家父長制 (kafuchousei - patriarchy) 戸籍 (koseki - family register) 嫁姑問題 (yomeshutome mondai - mother-in-law/daughter-in-law conflict)

Wichtige Grammatik

Godan Verb Conjugation

嫁ぐ (totsugu) -> 嫁いだ (totsuida)

Particle 'ni' for Destination

東京に嫁ぐ (Tokyo ni totsugu)

Nominalization with 'no'

嫁ぐのは勇気がいる (Totsugu no wa yuuki ga iru)

Causative Form

娘を嫁がせる (Musume wo totsugaseru - to make/let a daughter marry)

Potential Form

嫁げる (totsugeru - can marry into)

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

彼女は東京に嫁ぐ。

She will marry and move to Tokyo.

Simple present tense using 'ni' for destination.

2

お姉さんはいつ嫁ぎますか?

When will your older sister marry and leave home?

Polite form '-masu' question.

3

私は遠くに嫁ぎたくない。

I don't want to marry and move far away.

'-tai' form expressing desire (negative).

4

妹は来月嫁ぐ。

My younger sister will marry next month.

Direct subject-verb relationship.

5

山田さんに嫁ぐ。

To marry into the Yamada family.

Using 'ni' with a person's name (implies their house).

6

嫁ぐ日は晴れてほしい。

I want it to be sunny on the day I marry.

Noun modification: 'totsugu hi' (the day one marries).

7

母もこの町に嫁いだ。

My mother also married and moved to this town.

Past tense 'totsuida' with 'mo' (also).

8

どこに嫁いでも幸せになってね。

Be happy no matter where you marry and go.

'-te mo' form meaning 'no matter where'.

1

彼女は有名な農家に嫁いだ。

She married into a famous farming family.

Past tense describing a completed state.

2

一人娘が嫁ぐのは寂しい。

It is lonely when an only daughter marries and leaves.

Nominalized clause using 'no wa'.

3

彼女は二十歳で嫁いだそうだ。

I heard she married and left home at age twenty.

'-sou da' indicating reported speech.

4

嫁ぐ前に料理を習いたい。

I want to learn cooking before I marry and leave home.

'mae ni' (before) following the dictionary form.

5

姉はアメリカに嫁いでしまった。

My sister ended up marrying and moving to America.

'-te shimau' expressing a sense of completion or regret.

6

嫁ぐ時、母から着物をもらった。

When I married, I received a kimono from my mother.

'toki' (when) used with the dictionary form.

7

彼女は幸せになるために嫁ぐ。

She is marrying in order to be happy.

'tame ni' (in order to).

8

嫁ぐ準備で忙しい。

I am busy with preparations for marrying and moving.

Noun modification 'totsugu junbi'.

1

古いしきたりのある家に嫁ぐのは大変だ。

It is hard to marry into a house with old traditions.

Describing a difficult situation with 'taihen da'.

2

彼女は幼馴染の元へ嫁ぐことになった。

It has been decided that she will marry her childhood friend.

'koto ni natta' (it has been decided).

3

娘が嫁ぐ日の父の涙が忘れられない。

I can't forget my father's tears on the day my daughter married.

Using 'wasurerarenai' (cannot forget).

4

彼女は家業を継ぐために、その家に嫁いだ。

She married into that house in order to carry on the family business.

Purpose clause with 'tame ni'.

5

嫁ぐからには、その家のルールに従わなければならない。

Since you are marrying into that house, you must follow its rules.

'kara ni wa' (since/now that).

6

彼女は反対を押し切って、遠い国へ嫁いで行った。

She pushed past the opposition and went off to marry in a distant country.

'-te iku' showing movement away from the speaker.

7

嫁いだ先で、彼女は新しい生活を始めた。

At the place she married into, she started a new life.

'totsuida saki' (the place/family one married into).

8

彼女がどこに嫁ごうと、私たちの友情は変わらない。

No matter where she marries and goes, our friendship won't change.

Volitional form + 'to' (no matter if/where).

1

名門の家に嫁ぐという重圧に、彼女は耐え抜いた。

She endured the pressure of marrying into a prestigious family.

Using 'to iu' to define the pressure.

2

彼女は自らの意志で、貧しい詩人の元へ嫁いだ。

By her own will, she married and went to a poor poet.

'mizukara no ishi de' (by one's own will).

3

嫁ぐ娘に対して、母は「いつでも帰ってきなさい」と言った。

To the daughter about to marry, the mother said, 'Come home anytime.'

'ni taishite' (toward/to).

4

彼女が嫁いでから、実家の庭は手入れされなくなった。

Since she married and left, the garden at her parents' home has been neglected.

'-te kara' (since) with passive verb 'teire sarenaku natta'.

5

異文化の家庭に嫁ぐことは、想像以上に困難だった。

Marrying into a family of a different culture was more difficult than imagined.

'ijou ni' (more than).

6

彼女は政略結婚として、隣国の王室に嫁がされた。

She was made to marry into the neighboring country's royalty as a political marriage.

Causative-passive 'totsugasareta' (was made to marry).

7

嫁ぐ決意を固めた彼女の表情は、どこか晴れやかだった。

The expression of the woman who had firmed up her resolve to marry was somehow radiant.

Relative clause modifying 'hyoujou'.

8

彼女は代々続く職人の家に嫁ぎ、伝統を守り続けている。

She married into a family of artisans and continues to protect the tradition.

Continuative form 'mamori tsuzukete iru'.

1

近代化が進む中で、女性が「嫁ぐ」という意識も変容してきた。

As modernization progresses, the consciousness of women 'marrying into a family' has also transformed.

Using 'naka de' to describe the background of change.

2

彼女の書いた小説は、封建的な家に嫁いだ女性の葛藤を描いている。

The novel she wrote depicts the struggles of a woman who married into a feudalistic household.

Describing themes of a literary work.

3

没落した貴族の娘が、新興財閥の家へ嫁ぐという皮肉な運命。

The ironic fate of a daughter of a fallen aristocrat marrying into a newly rich conglomerate family.

Apposition using 'to iu' to describe 'unmei' (fate).

4

嫁ぐに際して、彼女は実家との縁を完全に断ち切った。

Upon marrying, she completely severed her ties with her natal home.

'ni saishite' (upon/on the occasion of).

5

彼女が嫁いだことによって、両家の長年の対立に終止符が打たれた。

By her marrying into the other family, a period was put to the long-standing conflict between the two houses.

'koto ni yotte' (due to/by).

6

旧家へ嫁ぐ以上、相応の覚悟が求められるのは言うまでもない。

It goes without saying that since she is marrying into an old family, a corresponding level of resolve is required.

'ijou' (since/now that) and 'iu made mo nai' (it goes without saying).

7

彼女は愛する人の元へ嫁ぐ喜びを、短歌に詠んだ。

She composed a tanka poem about the joy of marrying and going to the one she loves.

Describing a creative act.

8

その土地の風習に馴染めず、嫁いで数年で実家に戻る女性もいた。

There were also women who, unable to adapt to the local customs, returned to their parents' home a few years after marrying.

Compound sentence with 'zu' (negative continuative).

1

「嫁ぐ」という言葉の裏には、家父長制的な価値観が色濃く反映されている。

Behind the word 'totsugu,' patriarchal values are deeply reflected.

Sociolinguistic analysis using 'ura ni wa' (behind).

2

彼女が他家に嫁ぐことは、実質的に相続権を放棄することを意味した時代があった。

There was an era when a woman marrying into another family effectively meant renouncing her inheritance rights.

Describing historical legal implications.

3

皇室典範によれば、内親王が天皇及び皇族以外の者と結婚したときは、皇族の身分を離れて民間へ嫁ぐこととなる。

According to the Imperial House Law, when a princess marries someone other than the Emperor or a member of the Imperial Family, she leaves her royal status and marries into the civilian population.

Formal legal language.

4

彼女は、自らが嫁ぐことで家門の再興を図ろうとする父の意図を察していた。

She sensed her father's intention to attempt the restoration of the family's fortunes by having her marry into another house.

Complex clausal structure with 'zura ga totsugu koto de'.

5

嫁ぐという行為が、個人のアイデンティティの抹消を伴うものであってはならない。

The act of marrying into a family must not be something that entails the erasure of an individual's identity.

Philosophical/ethical statement using 'de atte wa naranai'.

6

文学作品において「嫁ぐ」というモチーフは、しばしば社会的な境界線の越境を象徴する。

In literary works, the motif of 'totsugu' often symbolizes the crossing of social boundaries.

Literary criticism terminology.

7

彼女は、嫁ぎ先の家風に染まることを良しとせず、独自の生き方を貫いた。

She did not consider it good to be dyed in the customs of the house she married into, and she persisted in her own way of life.

'wo yoshi to sezu' (not considering it good).

8

過疎化が進む村に嫁ぐ女性を支援するプロジェクトが、自治体によって立ち上げられた。

A project to support women marrying into villages undergoing depopulation was launched by the local government.

Passive voice 'tachiagerareta' in a social context.

Häufige Kollokationen

嫁ぐ日
遠くに嫁ぐ
~家に嫁ぐ
嫁ぐ決心
嫁ぎ先
海外へ嫁ぐ
一人娘が嫁ぐ
幸せに嫁ぐ
嫁ぐ準備
末娘が嫁ぐ

Häufige Phrasen

嫁にやる

— To give one's daughter away in marriage. Used from the parent's perspective.

娘を遠くへ嫁にやるのは忍びない。

嫁に貰う

— To take someone as a bride. Used from the groom's or groom's family's perspective.

彼女をぜひ嫁に貰いたい。

嫁ぎの身

— A woman who is married and belongs to another family. Literary expression.

嫁ぎの身となっては、勝手なことはできない。

嫁ぐ身

— A woman who is about to be married. Often used in poetic contexts.

嫁ぐ身として、両親に感謝を伝える。

嫁ぎ遅れる

— To marry late (by traditional standards). Can be considered offensive today.

嫁ぎ遅れるのを心配する親もいる。

嫁ぐまで

— Until the time one gets married. Often refers to the period of youth.

嫁ぐまでは実家で暮らすつもりだ。

嫁ぎ先での苦労

— Hardships faced at the family one married into.

嫁ぎ先での苦労を誰にも言わなかった。

嫁ぎ先の家風

— The family customs or traditions of the house one married into.

嫁ぎ先の家風に馴染むのは時間がかかる。

嫁ぐ覚悟

— The resolve or readiness to marry and join a new family.

彼女には厳しい家に嫁ぐ覚悟があった。

嫁ぐ喜び

— The joy of getting married and starting a new life.

嫁ぐ喜びを胸に、彼女は家を出た。

Wird oft verwechselt mit

嫁ぐ vs 結婚する

Kekkon is gender-neutral; totsugu is only for women.

嫁ぐ vs 婿入りする

Mukoiri is for men; totsugu is for women.

嫁ぐ vs 嫁ぐ vs 嫁ぐ (reading)

The kanji 嫁 is read as 'yome' (noun) or 'totsu(gu)' (verb). Don't say 'yome-suru'.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"嫁に出す"

— To have a daughter get married and leave the house. Similar to 'yome ni yaru'.

大事に育てた娘を嫁に出す。

Standard
"他家に嫁ぐ"

— To marry into another family. Emphasizes leaving one's own clan.

彼女は若くして他家に嫁いだ。

Formal
"嫁ぐは一生の別れ"

— An old saying implying that marriage for a woman is like a lifelong parting from her parents.

昔は「嫁ぐは一生の別れ」と言われたものだ。

Archaic
"嫁ぐにも嫁げない"

— To be in a situation where one cannot get married even if they want to.

家の事情で、彼女は嫁ぐにも嫁げなかった。

Literary
"嫁ぐべき時"

— The 'appropriate' time for a woman to marry. Traditional mindset.

彼女は嫁ぐべき時を逃してしまった。

Traditional
"嫁ぐ身の幸せ"

— The happiness of a woman who is getting married.

嫁ぐ身の幸せを噛み締める。

Literary
"嫁ぐなら金持ち"

— A cynical or pragmatic view that if one is to marry, it should be to a wealthy person.

嫁ぐなら金持ちのところがいいと言っていた。

Colloquial
"嫁ぐ日は涙"

— Describes the common occurrence of crying on the wedding day due to leaving home.

嫁ぐ日は涙で前が見えなかった。

Poetic
"嫁ぎ先の水に慣れる"

— To adapt to the lifestyle and customs of the family one married into.

ようやく嫁ぎ先の水に慣れてきた。

Idiomatic
"嫁ぐも地獄、嫁がぬも地獄"

— A pessimistic saying suggesting that both marrying and staying single have their own hardships.

当時の女性にとって、嫁ぐも地獄、嫁がぬも地獄だった。

Literary/Historical

Leicht verwechselbar

嫁ぐ vs 嫁入り (Yomeiri)

Both involve a woman marrying.

Yomeiri is a noun focusing on the entry and the event; Totsugu is the verb focusing on the action of going.

嫁入り道具を準備した。 (Prepared the trousseau.)

嫁ぐ vs 入籍 (Nyūseki)

Both mean 'getting married'.

Nyūseki is the legal registration; Totsugu is the social/physical transition.

今日、区役所で入籍した。 (We registered our marriage at the ward office today.)

嫁ぐ vs 嫁ぐ (Totsugu) vs 継ぐ (Tsugu)

They sound similar.

Totsugu is to marry; Tsugu is to succeed/inherit.

家業を継ぐ。 (To succeed the family business.)

嫁ぐ vs お嫁さん (Oyomesan)

Shared kanji.

Oyomesan is a polite noun for 'bride' or someone's wife.

素敵なお嫁さんですね。 (She's a lovely bride.)

嫁ぐ vs 嫁 (Yome)

Shared kanji.

Yome is the noun for daughter-in-law or wife; Totsugu is the verb to marry into.

私の嫁です。 (This is my wife - casual/humble).

Satzmuster

A2

[Family/Place] に 嫁ぐ

佐藤家に嫁ぐ。

B1

[Person] の 元へ 嫁ぐ

彼のもとへ嫁ぐ。

B1

[Reason] ために 嫁ぐ

家を守るために嫁ぐ。

B2

嫁いで いく/くる

彼女は遠くへ嫁いでいった。

B2

嫁ぐ という [Noun]

嫁ぐという決意。

C1

嫁ぐ に 際して

嫁ぐに際して、父と話した。

C1

嫁ぐ 以上の [Noun]

嫁ぐ以上の覚悟。

C2

嫁ぐ かの如く

まるで嫁ぐかの如く、彼は新天地へ向かった。(Metaphorical)

Wortfamilie

Substantive

嫁 (yome) - bride/daughter-in-law
嫁入り (yomeiri) - wedding/marrying into a family
嫁ぎ先 (totsugisaki) - the family/place one marries into

Verben

嫁がせる (totsugaseru) - to marry off (a daughter)
嫁ぎ合う (totsugiau) - (rare) to exchange brides between families

Verwandt

結婚 (kekkon) - marriage
婿入り (mukoiri) - man marrying into a family
縁談 (endan) - marriage proposal/talks
仲人 (nakodo) - matchmaker
披露宴 (hiroen) - wedding reception

So verwendest du es

frequency

Moderate in literature and formal speech; low in casual daily life.

Häufige Fehler
  • Using 'totsugu' for a man. 彼は彼女と結婚した。

    Totsugu is gender-specific to women. Men use 'kekkon suru' or 'mukoiri suru'.

  • Using the particle 'to' instead of 'ni'. 田中家に嫁ぐ。

    Totsugu implies moving 'to' a destination, so 'ni' is the correct particle.

  • Confusing 'yome suru' with 'totsugu'. 嫁ぐ / 嫁に行く

    'Yome' is a noun. You cannot add 'suru' to it to make it a verb. Use 'totsugu'.

  • Using 'totsugu' for the ceremony event. 結婚式を挙げる。

    Totsugu describes the social transition, not the event of the wedding ceremony itself.

  • Saying 'totsugita' instead of 'totsuida'. 嫁いだ (totsuida)

    Godan verbs ending in 'gu' change to 'ida' in the past tense.

Tipps

When to use 'Totsugu'

Use it when writing about a woman's life journey or in formal contexts like a wedding card. It adds emotional weight.

Particle Choice

Always pair it with 'ni'. Avoid 'to' unless you are saying 'moto ni' (to the side of).

Period Dramas

Watch Japanese historical dramas (Jidaigeki) to hear 'totsugu' used in political and high-stakes social contexts.

Related Nouns

Learn 'totsugisaki' (the place one marries into) alongside the verb to expand your vocabulary.

Wedding Speeches

If you attend a Japanese wedding, listen for 'totsugu' in the speeches. It's a key word for expressing the bride's transition.

Avoid for Men

Never use 'totsugu' for a man. It's a common mistake for English speakers because 'marry' is neutral.

Kanji Visual

Remember: Woman (女) + House (家) = Totsugu. A woman going to a house.

Totsugu vs Yome ni iku

'Yome ni iku' is the spoken, everyday version. 'Totsugu' is the written, formal version.

Level of Formality

In a job interview or professional setting, stick to 'kekkon suru' unless the topic is specifically about family tradition.

Imperial Context

Read news about the Japanese Imperial family to see how 'totsugu' is used for princesses marrying commoners.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'TO' (Toward) + 'TSUGU' (To join/succeed). A woman goes TOWARD a new family to JOIN them.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a bride walking across a bridge from one traditional house to another. The bridge represents the verb 'totsugu'.

Word Web

嫁 (Bride) 家 (House) に (Particle - Destination) 結婚 (Marriage) 家族 (Family) 引越し (Moving) 伝統 (Tradition) 娘 (Daughter)

Herausforderung

Try to write a sentence using 'totsugu' to describe where a famous historical figure or a fictional character (like a Disney princess) moved after marriage.

Wortherkunft

The word 'totsugu' comes from the Old Japanese 'to' (outside/other) and 'tsugu' (to arrive/join). It literally meant to go to another house.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To reach or arrive at another person's home to stay permanently.

Japonic / Yamato Kotoba

Kultureller Kontext

Be aware that 'totsugu' can sound old-fashioned or sexist to some modern Japanese speakers as it implies a woman is an object being moved between households.

English has no direct equivalent that is gender-specific and directional. We just say 'marry into a family.'

The film 'The Makioka Sisters' (Sasameyuki) focuses on the struggle to find suitable houses for daughters to totsugu into. Princess Mako's marriage to Kei Komuro was often described as her 'totsugu' out of the Imperial family. Classical literature like 'The Tale of Genji' frequently uses archaic forms of this concept.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Traditional Wedding

  • 嫁ぐ日の朝
  • 嫁ぎ先での挨拶
  • 幸せに嫁ぐ
  • 嫁入り道具

Historical Dramas

  • 政略結婚で嫁ぐ
  • 他家に嫁ぐ
  • 嫁ぐ身の覚悟
  • 縁談が整い嫁ぐ

Family Conversations

  • 娘が嫁ぐ
  • 遠くに嫁ぐ
  • 嫁いでから数年
  • 早く嫁いでほしい

Literature/Poetry

  • 異郷に嫁ぐ
  • 嫁ぐ喜びと悲しみ
  • 嫁ぎゆく背中
  • 嫁ぐ身の儚さ

News/Imperial Reports

  • 民間へ嫁ぐ
  • 皇籍を離れて嫁ぐ
  • 嫁ぐ際の儀式
  • ~氏の元へ嫁ぐ

Gesprächseinstiege

"娘さんが嫁ぐときは、やっぱり寂しいものですか? (Is it lonely when your daughter marries and leaves home?)"

"もし結婚するなら、遠い場所に嫁ぐ勇気はありますか? (If you were to marry, would you have the courage to marry and move to a far-off place?)"

"最近の若い人は「嫁ぐ」という言葉をあまり使わないのでしょうか? (Do young people nowadays not use the word 'totsugu' very much?)"

"ドラマでよく見る「名家に嫁ぐ」苦労は本当だと思いますか? (Do you think the hardships of 'marrying into a prestigious family' often seen in dramas are real?)"

"あなたの国では、女性が結婚して家を出ることを何と言いますか? (In your country, how do you describe a woman getting married and leaving her home?)"

Tagebuch-Impulse

「嫁ぐ」という言葉から、どのようなイメージを抱きますか? (What kind of image do you have from the word 'totsugu'?)

もしあなたが昔の日本に生まれていたら、どこに嫁ぎたいですか? (If you were born in old Japan, where would you want to marry into?)

「結婚する」と「嫁ぐ」の違いについて、自分の意見を書いてください。 (Write your opinion on the difference between 'kekkon suru' and 'totsugu'.)

大切な人が遠くに嫁いでいくときの気持ちを想像して書いてください。 (Imagine and write about your feelings when someone important to you marries and moves far away.)

現代社会において「嫁ぐ」という言葉は必要だと思いますか? (Do you think the word 'totsugu' is necessary in modern society?)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, 'totsugu' is strictly for women. If a man marries into a woman's family, the term is 'mukoiri suru'. Using 'totsugu' for a man is grammatically incorrect in a standard context.

Yes, but mostly in formal or literary contexts. In daily conversation, people prefer 'kekkon suru' or 'yome ni iku'. It remains common in wedding speeches and novels.

'Kekkon suru' is a general term for marriage. 'Totsugu' specifically means a woman leaving her home to join her husband's family. It has a more traditional and emotional nuance.

The particle 'ni' is used to indicate the destination (the family or the place). For example: 'A-ke ni totsugu' (Marry into the A family).

It is a formal and literary word. It isn't 'polite' (keigo) in itself, but it adds a level of solemnity to the conversation compared to casual terms.

It is a Godan verb ending in 'gu', so the past tense is 'totsuida'. This is similar to 'oyogu' (oyoida) or 'isogu' (isoida).

Currently, 'totsugu' is so deeply rooted in the traditional 'husband and wife' dynamic that it is rarely used in same-sex contexts. 'Kekkon suru' or 'partner ni naru' are used instead.

Historically, yes. Even today, it strongly implies that the woman is moving to be with the husband's family or to their new home together.

It reflects the traditional view that a woman belongs to a house. Upon marriage, she moves from her father's house to her husband's house.

Some modern Japanese people feel it is outdated because it suggests a woman is 'given away' or becomes 'property' of another house. However, others see it as a beautiful, traditional term.

Teste dich selbst 200 Fragen

writing

Write a sentence in Japanese: 'She married into the Sato family.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence in Japanese: 'I want to marry and move to a far-off country.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence in Japanese: 'The day my daughter marries will be lonely.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence in Japanese: 'She made the decision to marry into a traditional family.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence in Japanese: 'My sister married and moved to Tokyo last year.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Explain the difference between 'kekkon suru' and 'totsugu' in Japanese (1-2 sentences).

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using '嫁ぎ先' (totsugisaki).

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence in Japanese: 'I heard she married into a famous family.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence in Japanese: 'Since she married, the house has become quiet.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence in Japanese: 'She is busy preparing to marry and move.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence in Japanese: 'No matter where you marry, please be happy.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence in Japanese: 'She married her childhood friend.' (Use 'moto ni')

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence in Japanese: 'Princess Mako married and moved to New York.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence in Japanese: 'She is learning to cook before she marries.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence in Japanese: 'Marrying into that house requires resolve.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence in Japanese: 'My mother also married into this village.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence in Japanese: 'She was made to marry for political reasons.' (Causative-passive)

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence in Japanese: 'She composed a poem about marrying.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence in Japanese: 'She married into a family of doctors.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence in Japanese: 'I hope my daughter marries a good person.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Describe a traditional Japanese wedding using the word 'totsugu'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Pronounce 'totsuida' correctly.

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speaking

How would you tell a friend that your sister is marrying and moving to London?

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speaking

Explain the kanji for 'totsugu' to a beginner.

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speaking

Say: 'I want to marry into a happy family.'

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speaking

Express your feelings about a daughter leaving home using 'totsugu'.

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speaking

Say: 'She married into a famous family last year.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Roleplay: You are a father giving a speech at a wedding. Use 'totsugu'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'No matter where she marries, I will support her.'

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speaking

Explain why 'totsugu' is only for women.

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speaking

Say: 'I am busy with wedding preparations.' (Use totsugu)

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speaking

Say: 'She married her childhood friend.'

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speaking

Say: 'It is a big decision to marry and move to a foreign land.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Pronounce 'totsugaseru' correctly.

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speaking

Say: 'Since she married, the house has been lonely.'

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speaking

Say: 'Marrying into an old family is difficult.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Ask: 'When are you getting married and leaving home?' (Polite)

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speaking

Say: 'She married into a family of doctors.'

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speaking

Say: 'I'm glad she married a good person.'

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speaking

Discuss the modern view of the word 'totsugu'.

Read this aloud:

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listening

Listen and write the family name: '彼女は来月、鈴木家に嫁ぐそうです。'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify the time: '姉は三年前、京都に嫁ぎました。'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify the destination: '彼女は遠い北の国へ嫁いでいきました。'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen for the verb form: '嫁がせたくない。'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify the reason: '家業を継ぐために、彼女はその家に嫁いだ。'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify the speaker's emotion: '一人娘が嫁ぐのは、本当に寂しいものです。'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen for the particle: '彼女は田中家(に)嫁いだ。'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify the status: '彼女は後妻としてその家に嫁いだ。'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and translate: '嫁ぐ準備はできましたか?'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify the age: '彼女は十八歳で嫁いだ。'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify the place: '山あいの小さな村に嫁ぎました。'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen for the word '覚悟': '嫁ぐ覚悟はできています。'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify the relationship: '幼馴染の元へ嫁ぐことになった。'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and translate: '幸せに嫁いでね。'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen for the negative: '彼女は結局、どこにも嫁がなかった。'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

/ 200 correct

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