At the A1 level, learners are just beginning to grasp basic vocabulary. They would encounter 離婚する in very simple contexts, perhaps as a noun 'divorce' (離婚 - rikon) rather than the verb. Understanding the concept of marriage ending might be too advanced, but they could learn it as a new word without deep comprehension of its implications.
At the A2 level, learners can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to immediate needs and familiar topics. They can learn 離婚する as a verb meaning 'to divorce' and use it in simple, direct sentences. They would understand basic statements like 'They will divorce' or 'My parents divorced'. The focus is on recognizing the word and its most common, straightforward usage.
At the B1 level, learners can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters. They can use 離婚する in more complex sentences, discussing reasons for divorce, the process, or future plans related to it. They can also understand its usage in news articles or fictional narratives, grasping more of the social and personal implications.
At the B2 level, learners can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics. They can use 離婚する with greater fluency and accuracy, understanding its nuances in different registers (formal vs. informal) and its implications in legal, social, and personal discussions. They can also differentiate it from similar terms like 'separate'.
At the C1 level, learners can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning. They can use 離婚する with a high degree of fluency and spontaneity, understanding its cultural connotations, its use in idiomatic expressions, and its role in societal discourse. They can also discuss complex issues related to divorce with precision.
At the C2 level, learners can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. They can use 離婚する with near-native fluency, understanding its subtle shades of meaning, its historical context, and its precise application in any context, from legal jargon to highly nuanced personal narratives.

離婚する in 30 Seconds

  • 離婚する (rikon suru) means 'to divorce'.
  • It's the legal act of ending a marriage.
  • Used in news, legal contexts, and personal talks.
  • Common verb with standard conjugations.
Understanding 離婚する (rikon suru)

The Japanese verb 離婚する (rikon suru) directly translates to 'to divorce' in English. It refers to the legal and social dissolution of a marriage. This term is used in various contexts, from legal proceedings and discussions about family law to personal conversations about marital status and the end of a relationship. It's a straightforward verb that clearly conveys the act of ending a marriage.

Root Word
The word '離婚' (rikon) itself means 'divorce'. It's a compound word: '離' (ri) meaning 'separate' or 'leave', and '婚' (kon) meaning 'marriage'. The 'する' (suru) is a common verb suffix that turns nouns into verbs, so 離婚する literally means 'to do divorce'.
Usage Scenarios
You'll encounter 離婚する when people are discussing their personal lives, legal matters concerning marriage, or societal trends related to marriage and divorce rates. It's a common topic in news reports, documentaries, and personal anecdotes. For instance, someone might say they are going through the process of divorcing, or that a celebrity couple has decided to divorce.

友人が離婚することになったと聞きました。

Nuance
It's important to note that 離婚する is a verb that describes the action or the process. It's not about the emotional state of the individuals involved, but the legal and formal separation. The decision to divorce is often complex and involves many emotions, but the word itself is neutral and factual.

彼らは話し合った結果、離婚することに決めました。

Grammatical Form
As a 'suru' verb, 離婚する conjugates like other 'suru' verbs. For example, the past tense is 離婚した (rikon shita), the potential form is 離婚できる (rikon dekiru), and the negative form is 離婚しない (rikon shinai). This grammatical flexibility makes it easy to use in a variety of sentence structures.

In summary, 離婚する is the essential Japanese verb for 'to divorce'. It's a common, neutral term used to describe the legal and formal termination of a marriage. Understanding its components and usage will help you comprehend discussions about relationships and family matters in Japanese.

Constructing Sentences with 離婚する

Mastering 離婚する (rikon suru) involves understanding how to incorporate it into natural-sounding Japanese sentences. As a 'suru' verb, it's quite versatile, allowing for various grammatical constructions. Here, we explore common sentence patterns and provide examples to illustrate its usage in different contexts.

Basic Statement
The simplest way to use 離婚する is to state that someone is divorcing or has divorced. This often involves a subject (who is divorcing) and the verb itself, possibly with a time marker.

彼らは来月離婚する予定です。

Translation: They are scheduled to divorce next month.

両親は数年前に離婚した

Translation: My parents divorced several years ago.

Reasons for Divorce
Often, when discussing divorce, people mention the reasons behind it. Phrases like 「〜ために」 (tame ni - for the sake of/because of) or simply listing reasons connected by particles can be used.

経済的な問題で、彼らは離婚せざるを得なかった

Translation: Due to financial problems, they had no choice but to divorce.

性格の不一致が原因で離婚しました

Translation: They divorced due to incompatibility of personalities.

The Process of Divorce
Sentences can also describe the process or the decision-making aspect of divorce. Using phrases like 「〜ことにする」 (koto ni suru - to decide to do something) or 「〜ことになる」 (koto ni naru - it is decided/it turns out that) is common.

話し合いの末、離婚することにした

Translation: After discussion, they decided to divorce.

裁判の結果、離婚が認められることになった

Translation: As a result of the trial, the divorce was officially recognized.

Expressing Capability or Inability
The potential form 離婚できる (rikon dekiru - can divorce) and its negative 離婚できない (rikon dekinai - cannot divorce) are useful for discussing possibilities or impossibilities related to divorce.

まだ離婚できる段階ではない。

Translation: It's not yet at the stage where we can divorce.

Conditional Sentences
Using conditional forms like 「〜たら」 (tara) or 「〜ば」 (ba) can create sentences discussing hypothetical divorce scenarios.

もし彼が浮気をしたら、私は離婚するだろう。

Translation: If he cheats, I will probably divorce.

By practicing these sentence structures, you'll become more comfortable using 離婚する in various communicative situations. Remember to pay attention to the particles and verb conjugations that accompany it.

Real-World Encounters with 離婚する

You'll come across 離婚する (rikon suru) in a variety of everyday and formal settings in Japan. Understanding these contexts will help you grasp its practical application and the nuances associated with it.

News and Media
News reports frequently use 離婚する when discussing celebrity breakups, societal trends in marriage, or legal cases involving divorce. You might see headlines like 「有名人夫婦が離婚する」 (Yūmeijin fūfu ga rikon suru - Famous couple divorces) or articles analyzing divorce statistics.

テレビのニュースで、有名な俳優が離婚すると報じられていた。

Legal and Official Settings
In legal contexts, such as discussions with lawyers, court proceedings, or official family registration, 離婚する is the standard term. Documents related to divorce proceedings will use this verb extensively.

弁護士に相談して、離婚する手続きを進めています。

Personal Conversations
Among friends or family, especially when discussing personal matters, 離婚する might come up. It's a direct way to state that a marriage has ended or is ending. However, depending on the relationship and the sensitivity of the topic, people might choose more indirect phrasing.

彼女は夫と離婚することにしたらしい。

Dramas and Fictional Works
Japanese television dramas, movies, and novels often feature storylines involving marriage and divorce. 離婚する will be a common verb in dialogues and narratives exploring relationship conflicts and their resolutions.

ドラマの登場人物が、ついに離婚する決断をした。

Discussions on Social Issues
Academic or social discussions about marriage, family structures, and societal changes will also frequently employ 離婚する. These might involve analyzing divorce rates, the impact of divorce on children, or legal reforms related to marriage.

近年、若者の間で離婚するカップルが増加しているというデータがある。

By being aware of these common contexts, you'll be better equipped to understand and use 離婚する appropriately in your Japanese learning journey.

Navigating Pitfalls with 離婚する

While 離婚する (rikon suru) is a straightforward verb, learners can sometimes make mistakes with its usage, particularly concerning formality, nuance, and grammatical accuracy. Being aware of these common errors can significantly improve your fluency and avoid misunderstandings.

Mistake 1: Overusing Informal Language
In formal settings or when speaking to someone you don't know well, using the plain form 離婚する might sound too blunt. It's generally better to use the polite ます (masu) form, 離婚します (rikon shimasu), or more formal phrasing when discussing such a sensitive topic.

Incorrect: 彼は私と離婚する

Correct: 彼は私と離婚します

Mistake 2: Confusing with Similar Concepts
While 離婚する specifically means 'to divorce', learners might confuse it with related terms like separation or annulment. 離婚する refers to the legal dissolution of an existing marriage, not the beginning of a separation period or the cancellation of a marriage from its inception.

Incorrect: 彼らは別居して離婚するつもりだ。

This implies they will divorce *by* separating, which is true, but the phrasing could be clearer. A better phrasing would focus on the decision to divorce.

Correct: 彼らは別居した後、離婚することにした。

Translation: After separating, they decided to divorce.
Mistake 3: Incorrect Verb Conjugation
As a 'suru' verb, 離婚する conjugates in specific ways. Incorrectly conjugating it can lead to grammatical errors. Forgetting the 'shi' in the past tense (離婚した) or the 'dekiru' in the potential form are common slip-ups.

Incorrect: 彼は昨日離婚した。

Correct: 彼は昨日離婚した

Mistake 4: Using it as an Adjective
Learners might try to use 離婚する directly as an adjective, which is incorrect. For example, saying 「離婚する家族」 (rikon suru kazoku) is grammatically awkward. You would need to use a relative clause or a different phrasing, like 「離婚した家族」 (rikon shita kazoku - a family that divorced) or 「離婚を経験した家族」 (rikon o keiken shita kazoku - a family that experienced divorce).

Incorrect: 離婚する夫婦は多い。

Correct: 離婚する夫婦は多い。

Translation: The number of couples who divorce is high. (Here, 離婚する acts as part of a relative clause modifying 夫婦).

By paying attention to these common mistakes, you can ensure you use 離婚する accurately and appropriately in your Japanese conversations and writing.

Exploring Alternatives to 離婚する

While 離婚する (rikon suru) is the primary and most direct term for 'to divorce', the Japanese language offers other expressions and related concepts that convey similar or adjacent meanings. Understanding these alternatives helps in appreciating the nuances of marital dissolution and choosing the most appropriate word for a given context.

別れる (wakeru)
Meaning: To part, to separate, to break up.
Usage: This is a more general term for separation. It can apply to couples who are just separating without a legal divorce, friends parting ways, or even objects separating. When used for a couple, it often implies a less formal or potentially temporary separation, or a breakup of a romantic relationship that may or may not lead to divorce.
Example: 彼らは別れることにした (Karera wa wakeru koto ni shita) - They decided to separate/break up.
夫婦関係を解消する (fūfu kankei o kaishō suru)
Meaning: To dissolve the marital relationship.
Usage: This is a more formal and somewhat legalistic phrase. It emphasizes the termination of the formal bond between husband and wife. It's less common in casual conversation but might appear in legal documents or formal discussions about marriage termination.
Example: 裁判所は夫婦関係の解消を命じた (Saibansho wa fūfu kankei no kaishō o meijita) - The court ordered the dissolution of the marital relationship.
縁を切る (en o kiru)
Meaning: To cut ties, to break off relations.
Usage: This is a very strong idiom meaning to completely sever all connections with someone. While it can be used in the context of divorce, it implies a complete and often bitter ending of all familial or social ties, not just the legal marriage status.
Example: 彼は家族と縁を切ると言った (Kare wa kazoku to en o kiru to itta) - He said he would cut ties with his family. (This could happen in conjunction with a divorce).
離縁する (rien suru)
Meaning: To divorce, to separate (archaic/formal).
Usage: This is an older and more formal term for divorce, less commonly used in modern everyday conversation compared to 離婚する. It carries a sense of historical or legal formality.
Example: 昔の法律では離縁が難しかった (Mukashi no hōritsu de wa rien ga muzukashikatta) - In old laws, divorce was difficult.

Choosing the right word depends heavily on the context, the desired level of formality, and the specific nuance you wish to convey. For general purposes, stick with 離婚する for 'to divorce'.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji 離 (ri) is also used in words like 離れる (hanareru - to be separated/apart) and 離陸 (ririku - takeoff), all sharing the core meaning of separation or departure. The kanji 婚 (kon) is fundamental to words related to marriage, such as 結婚 (kekkon - marriage).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /riːkoʊn suɾu/
US /riːkoʊn suɾu/
Stress typically falls on the first syllable: RI-kon su-ru.
Rhymes With
kon hon son ron don ton shiru miru kiru iru
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'ri' as a hard 'r' like in 'red'. It should be a soft flap.
  • Making the 'su' sound too strong; it's often softer than a standard English 's'.
  • Not tapping the 'r' in 'ru' and pronouncing it like the English 'roo'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

At the A2 level, reading materials containing 離婚する will likely be simple sentences or short paragraphs discussing basic personal situations or news. Understanding the context of divorce is key, and the surrounding vocabulary will generally be within the A2 range.

Writing 3/5

Learners at A2 can construct simple sentences using 離婚する, perhaps stating that someone is divorcing or has divorced. The complexity would be in forming basic past tense or future tense sentences.

Speaking 3/5

Speaking about divorce at A2 involves simple statements or questions. Learners might say 'My parents divorced' or ask 'Are you divorced?'

Listening 3/5

Understanding 離婚する in spoken Japanese at A2 would involve hearing it in clear, relatively slow speech, likely in contexts related to personal anecdotes or simple news reports.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

結婚 (marriage) 夫婦 (married couple) 家族 (family) 別れる (to part/separate) する (to do)

Learn Next

離婚届 (divorce papers) 離婚原因 (reason for divorce) 弁護士 (lawyer) 調停 (mediation) 裁判 (trial/court)

Advanced

婚姻関係 (marital relationship) 財産分与 (property division) 慰謝料 (compensation for emotional distress) 親権 (child custody) 熟年離婚 (senior divorce)

Grammar to Know

Using 'koto ni suru' (to decide to do) with 離婚する.

彼らは話し合った結果、離婚することにした。(Karera wa hanashiai no kekka, rikon suru koto ni shita.) - After discussion, they decided to divorce.

Using the potential form 'dekiru' (can do) with 離婚する.

子供がいるので、すぐには離婚できない。(Kodomo ga iru node, sugu ni wa rikon dekinai.) - Because there are children, we cannot divorce immediately.

Using conditional forms like '-tara' (if/when) with 離婚する.

もし彼が約束を守らなかったら、私は離婚するだろう。(Moshi kare ga yakusoku o mamoranakattara, watashi wa rikon suru darō.) - If he doesn't keep his promise, I will probably divorce.

Using 'yō ni' (so that) with the negative form of 離婚する.

争いが激しくならないように、円満に離婚したい。(Arasoi ga hageshiku naranai yō ni, enman ni rikon shitai.) - To avoid the conflict becoming intense, I want to divorce amicably.

Using 'ni yotte' (by means of/due to) to explain the cause of divorce.

価値観の不一致によって、彼らは離婚した。(Kachikan no fufuchi ni yotte, karera wa rikon shita.) - Due to differences in values, they divorced.

Examples by Level

1

両親は離婚した。

Parents divorced.

Simple past tense.

2

彼らは離婚する。

They divorce.

Present/future tense.

3

離婚は悲しい。

Divorce is sad.

Noun form of divorce.

4

離婚したい。

Want to divorce.

'tai' form for desire.

5

離婚したくない。

Do not want to divorce.

Negative 'tai' form.

6

離婚したの?

Did you divorce?

Question form.

7

離婚しました。

Divorced (polite).

Polite past tense.

8

離婚する?

Divorce? (question)

Informal question.

1

私の友人は最近離婚しました。

My friend recently divorced.

Polite past tense, adverb 'recently'.

2

彼らは話し合って離婚することにした。

They discussed and decided to divorce.

Verb + koto ni suru (decided to do).

3

離婚の原因は何ですか?

What is the reason for the divorce?

Question about cause.

4

子供がいるので、すぐに離婚はできません。

Because there are children, we cannot divorce immediately.

Negative potential form 'dekinai' (cannot).

5

もし離婚したら、一人で暮らします。

If we divorce, I will live alone.

Conditional 'tara' form.

6

彼女は夫と離婚したいと言っている。

She says she wants to divorce her husband.

'tai' form with 'to iu'.

7

両親が離婚して、私は母と住んでいます。

My parents divorced, and I live with my mother.

Past tense followed by current situation.

8

離婚届を役所に提出しなければならない。

We must submit the divorce papers to the city office.

Obligation 'nakereba naranai'.

1

経済的な理由から、多くの夫婦が離婚を選択している。

Due to economic reasons, many couples are choosing to divorce.

Using nominalized verb + 'kara' for reason.

2

子供の将来を考えて、すぐには離婚しないことにした。

Considering the children's future, they decided not to divorce immediately.

Nominalized verb + 'ni suru' for decision.

3

裁判官は、双方の証言を聞いた上で離婚を認めた。

The judge recognized the divorce after hearing both parties' testimonies.

Using 'ue de' (after doing) for sequential action.

4

性格の不一致は、離婚の最も一般的な原因の一つです。

Incompatibility of personalities is one of the most common reasons for divorce.

Using possessive particle 'no' for noun phrase.

5

もし彼が約束を守らなかったら、私は離婚を考えるだろう。

If he doesn't keep his promise, I will consider divorce.

Conditional 'nakattara' (if not) + 'kangaeru' (consider).

6

離婚後も、子供たちのために協力していくことを約束した。

Even after divorcing, they promised to cooperate for the sake of their children.

Noun phrase + 'mo' (even) + 'tame ni' (for the sake of).

7

彼女は長年の結婚生活に終止符を打ち、離婚を決意した。

She decided to divorce, putting an end to their many years of marriage.

Idiomatic expression 'shuushifu o utsu' (to put an end to).

8

離婚は法的な手続きが必要であり、簡単には進まない。

Divorce requires legal procedures and does not proceed easily.

Nominalized verb + 'ga hitsuyō' (is necessary).

1

社会情勢の変化に伴い、夫婦が離婚を選択するケースが増加傾向にある。

With changes in the social climate, cases where married couples choose to divorce are showing an increasing trend.

Using 'ni tomonai' (along with/following) and nominalized verb + 'keesu' (case).

2

財産分与や親権の問題が複雑化し、離婚調停は長期化する傾向がある。

With issues like property division and child custody becoming complex, divorce mediation tends to be prolonged.

Using 'fukuzatsuka shi' (becoming complex) and nominalized verb + 'keekō ni aru' (tend to).

3

相手方の不貞行為が原因で離婚を請求する場合、慰謝料の請求も可能となる。

When seeking divorce due to the other party's infidelity, claiming compensation for emotional distress is also possible.

Using 'ga gen'in de' (due to the reason of) and 'mo kanō to naru' (becomes possible).

4

協議離婚が成立しない場合、家庭裁判所に離婚調停を申し立てることができる。

If an agreement divorce cannot be reached, one can file for divorce mediation at the family court.

Using 'ga seiritsu shinai baai' (in cases where it is not established) and 'o mōshitate-ru koto ga dekiru' (can file).

5

熟年離婚という言葉が示すように、長年連れ添った夫婦間でも離婚は起こりうる。

As the term 'senior divorce' suggests, divorce can occur even between couples who have been together for many years.

Using 'to iu kotoba ga shimesu yō ni' (as the word... suggests) and 'okorui-uru' (can occur).

6

夫婦関係の破綻が客観的に証明できない限り、裁判所は離婚の訴えを却下することがある。

Unless the breakdown of the marital relationship can be objectively proven, the court may dismiss the divorce suit.

Using 'kagiri' (unless) and 'kyakka suru koto ga aru' (may dismiss).

7

子育てが一段落したのを機に、夫婦は長年の問題を清算し、離婚を選択した。

Taking the opportunity of childcare reaching a stable phase, the couple settled their long-standing issues and chose divorce.

Using 'o ki ni' (taking the opportunity of) and 'seisan shi' (settle/clear up).

8

現代社会においては、個人の幸福追求が離婚の動機としてますます重視される傾向にある。

In modern society, the pursuit of individual happiness tends to be increasingly emphasized as a motive for divorce.

Using 'shūchū' (pursuit) and 'jūshi sareru keekō ni aru' (tend to be emphasized).

1

夫婦間のコミュニケーション不全が慢性化し、最終的に離婚という結論に至った経緯を詳細に分析する必要がある。

It is necessary to analyze in detail the circumstances that led to the conclusion of divorce, as the dysfunction in marital communication became chronic.

Nominalized verb + 'to iu ketsuron ni itatta keii o shōsai ni bunseki suru hitsuyō ga aru'.

2

財産分与の交渉が難航し、離婚調停が長期化する事態は、関係者双方にとって精神的な負担が大きい。

The situation where divorce mediation is prolonged due to difficulties in property division negotiations places a significant mental burden on both parties involved.

Using 'nan'kō shi' (become difficult/bogged down) and 'jitai wa... seishinteki na futan ga ōkii'.

3

相手方の不貞行為を理由とする離婚訴訟においては、精神的苦痛に対する慰謝料の算定基準が重要な争点となる。

In divorce litigation based on the other party's infidelity, the criteria for calculating compensation for emotional distress becomes a crucial point of contention.

Using 'o riyū to suru' (to use as a reason) and 'jūyō na sōten to naru'.

4

合意による離婚が困難な場合、離婚調停を経て、それでも解決しない際には離婚訴訟へと移行することになる。

When divorce by agreement is difficult, after going through divorce mediation, if it still cannot be resolved, the process will move to divorce litigation.

Using 'ga konnan na baai' (when it is difficult) and 'sore de mo kaiketsu shinai sai ni wa... ikō suru koto ni naru'.

5

熟年離婚の増加は、人生後半における個人の自律性と幸福追求の価値観の変化を反映していると言えるだろう。

The increase in senior divorces can be said to reflect a change in values regarding individual autonomy and the pursuit of happiness in the latter half of life.

Using 'to wa ieru darō' (can be said that) and 'o hanshitsu shite iru'.

6

婚姻関係の破綻が客観的証拠によって立証できない場合、裁判所は離婚請求を棄却する可能性が高い。

If the breakdown of the marital relationship cannot be proven by objective evidence, there is a high probability that the court will dismiss the divorce claim.

Using 'ni yotte risshō dekinai baai' (in cases where it cannot be proven by) and 'kijaku suru kanōsei ga takai'.

7

子育ての役割分担やキャリア形成における男女間の格差が、夫婦間の軋轢を生み、結果として離婚に至るケースが後を絶たない。

The disparity between men and women in the division of childcare roles and career development creates friction between couples, leading to a continuous stream of cases resulting in divorce.

Using 'gen'in to naru' (become the cause of) and 'koto ga ato o tatanai' (cases are endless).

8

現代社会における自己実現志向の高まりは、結婚生活における個人の欲求充足を重視させ、それが満たされない場合に離婚という選択肢が現実味を帯びてくる。

The rise of self-actualization tendencies in modern society emphasizes the fulfillment of individual desires within married life, and when these are not met, the option of divorce becomes more realistic.

Using 'shikō no takamari wa' (the rise of tendencies) and 'genjitsumi o obite kuru' (begins to take on a realistic aspect).

1

婚姻関係の不可逆的な破綻、すなわち、夫婦間の相互信頼が完全に失墜し、共同生活の維持が社会通念上不可能と判断される状況下においては、離婚は避けられない帰結となる。

Under circumstances where the irreversible breakdown of the marital relationship is evident, meaning mutual trust between spouses has completely collapsed, and maintaining cohabitation is deemed socially impossible, divorce becomes an unavoidable outcome.

Using 'sunawachi' (that is to say), 'shittsu shi' (collapse/fall), 'shakai tsūnenjō fukanō to handan sareru jōkyōka ni oite wa', and 'hi-kake-nai ketsuron'.

2

財産分与の算定にあたっては、婚姻期間中の貢献度、各々の経済的能力、そして将来の生活設計といった多角的な要素が勘案され、その複雑性はしばしば離婚調停を長期化させる要因となる。

In calculating property division, multifaceted factors such as contributions during the marriage, individual economic capabilities, and future life plans are taken into account, and their complexity often becomes a factor that prolongs divorce mediation.

Using 'ni atatte wa' (in regards to), 'kankō-do', 'kakunō-ryoku', 'kan'an sare', and 'shibashiba... yōin to naru'.

3

不貞行為を理由とする離婚訴訟において、慰謝料の額は、不貞の態様、期間、婚姻関係への影響度、そして被害配偶者の精神的苦痛の程度などを総合的に勘案して決定される。

In divorce litigation based on infidelity, the amount of compensation for emotional distress is determined by comprehensively considering factors such as the nature and duration of the infidelity, its impact on the marital relationship, and the degree of emotional suffering of the wronged spouse.

Using 'o riyū to suru', 'taiyō', 'kikan', 'eikyōdo', 'seishinteki kutsū no teido', and 'sōgōteki ni kan'an shite kettei sareru'.

4

当事者間の合意による離婚が絶望的となった場合、家庭裁判所への離婚調停申立ては、訴訟移行前の最後の和解の機会として機能する。

When divorce by mutual agreement becomes hopeless, filing for divorce mediation at the family court serves as the final opportunity for reconciliation before transitioning to litigation.

Using 'zetsubōteki to natta baai', 'mōshitate wa', and 'saigo no wakai no kikai to shite kinō suru'.

5

熟年離婚の増加は、単なる夫婦関係の破綻に留まらず、高齢化社会における個人の自律性、自己実現、そして幸福追求といった価値観の変容を如実に物語っている。

The increase in senior divorces is not merely limited to the breakdown of marital relationships, but vividly illustrates the transformation of values such as individual autonomy, self-realization, and the pursuit of happiness in an aging society.

Using 'ni todomarazu', 'jitsubutsu ni monogatari-te iru', and 'kachikan no hen'yō'.

6

婚姻関係の客観的破綻の立証が困難な場合、裁判所は離婚請求を棄却する傾向があるが、その判断は個別の事案の具体的事情に大きく依存する。

When objective proof of the breakdown of the marital relationship is difficult, the court tends to dismiss divorce claims, but this judgment heavily depends on the specific circumstances of each individual case.

Using 'risshō ga konnan na baai', 'kyakka suru keekō ga aru', and 'koto ga ōkiku izon suru'.

7

夫婦間のコミュニケーションの断絶、相互理解の欠如、そして期待値の乖離といった要因が複合的に作用し、結果として離婚という悲劇的な結末を招くケースが後を絶たない。

Factors such as the severance of communication between spouses, the lack of mutual understanding, and the divergence of expectations act in complex ways, leading to a continuous stream of cases that result in the tragic conclusion of divorce.

Using 'danzetsu', 'ketsujo', 'ka'i', 'fukugōteki ni sayō shi', and 'ketsumatsu o maneku keesu ga ato o tatanai'.

8

現代社会における自己実現欲求の肥大化は、結婚生活における個人の欲求充足を至上命題とし、それが達成されない場合に離婚という選択肢が、かつてないほど現実的かつ魅力的なものとして浮上している。

The inflation of self-actualization desires in modern society makes the fulfillment of individual desires within married life a paramount objective, and when this is not achieved, the option of divorce emerges as more realistic and appealing than ever before.

Using 'hidai-ka wa', 'shijō meidai to shi', 'genjitsuteki katsu miryokuteki na mono to shite fujō shite iru'.

Common Collocations

離婚の原因
離婚届を出す
離婚を切り出す
離婚に応じる
離婚を争う
離婚を考える
離婚する決意
離婚後の生活
円満離婚
離婚裁判

Common Phrases

離婚する

— To divorce. This is the standard verb.

彼らは離婚することにした。 (Karera wa rikon suru koto ni shita.)

離婚しました

— I/We divorced. Polite past tense.

先月、両親は離婚しました。(Sengetsu, ryōshin wa rikon shimashita.)

離婚したい

— I want to divorce.

もう一緒に暮らしたくないから、離婚したい。(Mō issho ni kurashitakunai kara, rikon shitai.)

離婚の理由

— Reason for divorce.

離婚の理由を教えてください。(Rikon no riyū o oshiete kudasai.)

離婚届

— Divorce papers/certificate.

離婚届を役所に提出した。(Rikon-todoke o yakusho ni teishutsu shita.)

離婚問題

— Divorce issue/problem.

離婚問題で弁護士に相談しています。(Rikon mondai de bengoshi ni sōdan shite imasu.)

円満離婚

— Amicable divorce (divorce with mutual agreement and no major disputes).

できるだけ円満離婚したい。(Dekiru dake enman rikon shitai.)

離婚調停

— Divorce mediation.

離婚調停を申し立てる。(Rikon chōtei o mōshitate-ru.)

離婚訴訟

— Divorce lawsuit/litigation.

離婚訴訟を起こす。(Rikon soshō o okosu.)

熟年離婚

— Divorce among older couples (often after many years of marriage).

最近、熟年離婚が増えている。(Saikin, jukunen rikon ga fuete iru.)

Often Confused With

離婚する vs 別れる (wakeru)

別れる is more general and means 'to part' or 'to break up'. It can refer to couples separating without a legal divorce, or even friends parting ways. 離婚する specifically means to legally dissolve a marriage.

離婚する vs 別居する (bekkyo suru)

別居する means 'to live separately'. This is often a step before divorce, but it is not divorce itself. A couple can be separated but still legally married.

離婚する vs 縁を切る (en o kiru)

This idiom means 'to cut ties' or 'sever relations'. While a divorce can involve cutting ties, this phrase implies a complete and often bitter severance of all connections, not just the legal end of a marriage.

Idioms & Expressions

"縁を切る"

— To cut ties; to sever relations completely. While not exclusively about divorce, it can describe the complete ending of a relationship that includes a divorce.

彼は家族と縁を切ると言った。 (Kare wa kazoku to en o kiru to itta.)

Strong, potentially negative
"冷え切った関係"

— A relationship that has become cold or estranged. This state often leads to divorce.

二人の関係は冷え切っていて、離婚は時間の問題だった。 (Futari no kankei wa hie-kitte ite, rikon wa jikan no mondai datta.)

Descriptive
"紙切れ一枚"

— Literally 'a piece of paper'. Refers to something that can easily be obtained or disposed of, often used metaphorically for divorce papers.

離婚届は紙切れ一枚だが、その意味は重い。 (Rikon-todoke wa kami-kire ichimai da ga, sono imi wa omoi.)

Metaphorical
"夫婦の危機"

— A marital crisis; a difficult period in a marriage that could lead to divorce.

彼らは夫婦の危機を乗り越えられなかった。 (Karera wa fūfu no kiki o norikoerarenakatta.)

Descriptive
"人生の再出発"

— A new start in life. This is often associated with the period after a divorce.

離婚は辛かったが、人生の再出発の機会でもあった。 (Rikon wa tsurakatta ga, jinsei no sai-shuppatsu no kikai demo atta.)

Positive framing
"別れの決断"

— The decision to part ways or separate. This can refer to the decision to divorce.

別れの決断は、二人にとって非常に困難だった。 (Wakare no ketsudan wa, futari ni totte hijō ni konnan datta.)

Formal
"法的な手続き"

— Legal procedures. This is inherently linked to the process of divorce.

離婚には多くの法的な手続きが必要だ。 (Rikon ni wa ōku no hōteki na tetsuzuki ga hitsuyō da.)

Formal, legal
"人間関係の清算"

— Settling/clearing up human relationships. This can apply to the aftermath of a divorce.

離婚は、人間関係の清算でもあった。 (Rikon wa, ningen kankei no seisans demo atta.)

Abstract
"新たな人生"

— A new life. Often used to describe the life one leads after a significant event like divorce.

離婚を経て、彼女は新たな人生を歩み始めた。 (Rikon o hete, kanojo wa arata na jinsei o ayumi-hajimeta.)

Hopeful
"家族の形"

— The form/structure of a family. Divorce changes the family structure.

離婚によって、家族の形が変わった。 (Rikon ni yotte, kazoku no katachi ga kawatta.)

Sociological

Easily Confused

離婚する vs 別れる (wakeru)

Both verbs relate to the ending of a relationship, and 'wakeru' can be used for couples separating.

離婚する (rikon suru) specifically refers to the legal dissolution of a marriage. 別れる (wakeru) is a broader term meaning 'to part' or 'to break up', and can apply to non-marital relationships or separations that are not legally finalized. For example, friends can 別れる, but they don't 離婚する.

二人は<strong>別れる</strong>ことにした。(Futari wa wakeru koto ni shita.) - They decided to break up. (This could be a casual breakup or a step towards divorce).<br>彼らは<strong>離婚する</strong>ことにした。(Karera wa rikon suru koto ni shita.) - They decided to divorce. (This implies a legal process).

離婚する vs 別居する (bekkyo suru)

Living separately (別居する) is often a precursor to divorce.

別居する (bekkyo suru) means to live separately. It describes the physical separation of a couple. 離婚する (rikon suru) is the legal act of ending the marriage. A couple can 別居する for years without legally 離婚する, or they might 離婚する without ever having 別居した.

彼らは1年間<strong>別居した</strong>後、<strong>離婚した</strong>。(Karera wa ichinenkan bekkyo shita ato, rikon shita.) - After living separately for one year, they divorced.<br><strong>別居</strong>しているが、まだ<strong>離婚していない</strong>。(Bekkyo shite iru ga, mada rikon shite inai.) - They are living separately, but have not yet divorced.

離婚する vs 破綻する (hatan suru)

A marriage that breaks down (破綻する) often leads to divorce.

破綻する (hatan suru) means 'to break down' or 'to collapse'. It describes the state of a relationship, such as a marriage, that has failed. 離婚する (rikon suru) is the action of legally ending the marriage. You can say 'the marriage broke down' (婚姻関係が破綻した - kon'in kankei ga hatan shita), and this breakdown might lead to divorce (離婚する).

二人の結婚生活は<strong>破綻した</strong>ため、<strong>離婚</strong>を考え始めた。(Futari no kekkon seikatsu wa hatan shita tame, rikon o kangaehajimeta.) - Because their married life broke down, they began to consider divorce.

離婚する vs 縁を切る (en o kiru)

Divorce can sometimes involve cutting ties with family.

縁を切る (en o kiru) is an idiom meaning 'to cut ties' or 'to sever relations completely'. It implies a total and often bitter ending of all connections. While a divorce might be part of cutting ties with a spouse's family, 離婚する specifically refers to the legal termination of the marriage itself. 縁を切る is a much broader and more drastic action.

彼は家族と<strong>縁を切った</strong>。 (Kare wa kazoku to en o kitta.) - He cut ties with his family. (This might happen after a divorce, but the divorce itself is 離婚する).

離婚する vs 結婚を解消する (kekkon o kaishō suru)

Both refer to the ending of a marriage.

結婚を解消する (kekkon o kaishō suru) is a more formal and sometimes legalistic phrase meaning 'to dissolve a marriage'. 離婚する (rikon suru) is the standard, everyday verb for 'to divorce'. While they convey the same core meaning, 離婚する is much more commonly used in general conversation.

彼らは<strong>結婚を解消する</strong>手続きを進めている。(Karera wa kekkon o kaishō suru tetsuzuki o susumete iru.) - They are proceeding with the procedures to dissolve their marriage. (Formal)<br>彼らは<strong>離婚する</strong>ことにした。(Karera wa rikon suru koto ni shita.) - They decided to divorce. (Common)

Sentence Patterns

A2

Subject + は/が + [Object] + と + 離婚する。

彼女は夫<strong>と</strong><strong>離婚する</strong>。

A2

Subject + は/が + [Reason] + から/ので + 離婚する。

価値観の違い<strong>から</strong>、<strong>離婚する</strong>ことになった。

A2

Subject + は/が + 離婚した。

私の両親は<strong>離婚した</strong>。

B1

Subject + は/が + [Action] + ことを + 離婚する。

話し合った結果、<strong>離婚することにした</strong>。

B1

Subject + は/が + [Conditional Clause] + なら/たら + 離婚する。

もし彼が浮気をしたら、私は<strong>離婚する</strong>だろう。

B2

Noun Phrase + は/が + [Context] + 離婚する。

社会情勢の変化に伴い、夫婦が<strong>離婚する</strong>ケースが増加傾向にある。

B2

Subject + は/が + [Reason] + を理由に + 離婚する。

相手方の不貞行為<strong>を理由に</strong>、<strong>離婚を請求する</strong>場合がある。

C1

Noun Phrase + は/が + [Complex Reason] + によって/が原因で + 離婚する。

コミュニケーション不全<strong>によって</strong>、<strong>離婚という結論に至った</strong>。

Word Family

Nouns

離婚 divorce (noun)

Verbs

離婚する to divorce (verb)

Related

別れる to part, to separate (verb)
結婚する to marry (verb)
婚姻 marriage (noun)
夫婦 married couple (noun)
家族 family (noun)

How to Use It

frequency

Common, especially in discussions about personal relationships, legal matters, and social issues.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 離婚する in very formal writing without polite forms. In formal writing or when addressing superiors, use 離婚します (rikon shimasu) or more formal phrasing.

    The plain form 離婚する can sound blunt in formal contexts. Using the polite form shows respect and is appropriate for more serious or official communications.

  • Confusing 離婚する with 別れる (wakeru). Use 離婚する for the legal end of a marriage. Use 別れる for general parting or breaking up.

    別れる is a broader term for separation and can apply to non-marital relationships. 離婚する specifically denotes the legal dissolution of a marriage.

  • Incorrect conjugation of the verb. Remember it's a 'suru' verb: 離婚した (rikon shita) for past tense, 離婚しない (rikon shinai) for negative.

    Common errors include omitting the 'shi' in the past tense or conjugating it incorrectly. Ensure you follow the standard 'suru' verb conjugation patterns.

  • Using 離婚する as an adjective directly. Use a relative clause or past tense form: 離婚する夫婦 (rikon suru fūfu - couples who divorce) or 離婚した夫婦 (rikon shita fūfu - couples who divorced).

    Japanese verbs typically function as verbs or within relative clauses, not as standalone adjectives. You need to modify them appropriately to describe nouns.

  • Using 離婚する when only separation is meant. Use 別居する (bekkyo suru) for living separately.

    別居する specifically means to live apart. Divorce (離婚する) is the legal end of the marriage itself. A couple can be separated (別居) but still legally married.

Tips

Mastering the 'R' Sounds

The Japanese 'r' sounds in 離婚する (ri-kon su-ru) are different from English 'r'. The 'ri' is a flap, similar to the 'dd' in 'ladder', and the 'ru' is also a tapped 'r'. Practice these sounds to sound more natural.

Using 'Koto ni Suru'

A common pattern with 離婚する is using ~ことにする (koto ni suru), meaning 'to decide to do'. For example, '話し合った結果、離婚することにした' (Hanashiai no kekka, rikon suru koto ni shita) means 'After discussion, they decided to divorce.'

Kanji Breakdown

Understand the Kanji: 離 (ri) means 'separate', and 婚 (kon) means 'marriage'. Visualizing this separation of marriage can help you remember the meaning of 離婚する.

Create a Scenario

Imagine a specific scenario where a couple decides to divorce. Write a short dialogue or story using 離婚する. This active recall helps solidify the word in your memory.

Sentence Building

Practice forming sentences with 離婚する in different tenses and moods. Try creating sentences about reasons for divorce, the decision to divorce, or the aftermath of divorce.

Societal Nuances

Be aware that while divorce is more common now, it can still carry social implications in Japan. Understanding terms like 'amicable divorce' (円満離婚) or 'senior divorce' (熟年離婚) provides cultural context.

Distinguish from 別れる

Remember that 別れる (wakeru) means 'to part' or 'break up' and is more general. 離婚する is specifically about legally ending a marriage. Use 離婚する for the legal act.

Negative Forms

Learn both 離婚しない (rikon shinai - will not divorce, a choice) and 離婚できない (rikon dekinai - cannot divorce, due to circumstances). These have different meanings and are important for expressing various situations.

Use it in Context

Try to use 離婚する in role-playing scenarios or when discussing hypothetical situations. The more you use it in context, the more natural it will feel.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a couple literally tearing a marriage certificate in half, symbolizing 'ri' (separation) from 'kon' (marriage). The action of tearing is like 'suru' (doing).

Visual Association

Picture a red 'X' over a wedding ring, with arrows pointing away from each other from the center of the ring.

Word Web

{"concept":"Marriage","related_words":["\u7d50\u5a5a","\u592b\u5a66","\u5a5a\u59fb"]} {"concept":"Separation","related_words":["\u96e2\u308c\u308b","\u5225\u308c\u308b","\u5225\u5c45"]} {"concept":"Ending","related_words":["\u7d42\u4e86","\u7d42\u6b62\u7b26","\u89e3\u6d88"]} {"concept":"Legal","related_words":["\u88c1\u5224","\u624b\u7d9a\u304d","\u5c4a"]} {"concept":"Family","related_words":["\u5b50\u4f9b","\u89aa","\u5bb6\u65cf"]} {"concept":"Emotions","related_words":["\u60b2\u3057\u3044","\u8f9b\u3044","\u6c7a\u65ad"]} {"concept":"New Start","related_words":["\u518d\u51fa\u767a","\u65b0\u305f\u306a\u4eba\u751f"]} {"concept":"Reasons","related_words":["\u539f\u56e0","\u7406\u7531","\u4e0d\u4e00\u81f4"]}

Challenge

Try to explain the concept of divorce to someone who doesn't know Japanese, using the word 離婚する and its components 'ri' (separate) and 'kon' (marriage).

Word Origin

The word 離婚 (rikon) is a Sino-Japanese compound word, derived from Chinese characters. The character '離' (ri) means 'to separate', 'to leave', or 'to detach'. The character '婚' (kon) means 'marriage'. Together, 離婚 literally means 'to separate from marriage'. The verb suffix 'する' (suru) is added to turn the noun into a verb.

Original meaning: Separation from marriage.

Japonic (Japanese)

Cultural Context

Divorce is a sensitive topic. When discussing it, especially with native speakers, it's important to be respectful and avoid making assumptions or judgments. Use polite language and be mindful of the emotional context.

In English-speaking cultures, divorce is generally more common and often carries less social stigma than in some parts of Japan, although this is changing. The legal processes vary significantly by country.

Many Japanese dramas and movies feature storylines revolving around divorce, exploring the emotional and social complexities. News reports often cover celebrity divorces, which can influence public perception and discussion. Legal reforms and discussions about family law in Japan frequently involve the concept and procedures of divorce.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Personal conversations about family or relationships.

  • 友人が離婚した。
  • 離婚したいと思っている。
  • 離婚の原因は何?

News reports about celebrities or societal trends.

  • 有名人夫婦が離婚。
  • 離婚率が増加している。
  • 離婚について議論する。

Legal or formal discussions.

  • 離婚の手続きを進める。
  • 離婚届を提出する。
  • 離婚を申請する。

Fictional narratives (dramas, movies).

  • ついに離婚を決意した。
  • 離婚の危機に瀕している。
  • 離婚後の生活は大変だ。

Discussions about social issues and statistics.

  • 離婚の背景には何があるのか。
  • 離婚が子供に与える影響。
  • 離婚という選択肢。

Conversation Starters

"Have you heard about the recent celebrity divorce news in Japan?"

"Do you know anyone who has gone through a divorce?"

"What are some common reasons couples decide to divorce in Japan?"

"How does the process of divorce work in Japan?"

"What are your thoughts on amicable divorces versus contentious ones?"

Journal Prompts

Write about a fictional character who is considering divorce. What are their reasons and fears?

Imagine you are explaining the concept of divorce to someone who has never heard of it. How would you describe 離婚する?

Reflect on the societal changes that might lead to an increase in divorce rates. Use the word 離婚する in your writing.

Describe a scene from a Japanese drama where a couple is discussing divorce. Include dialogue using 離婚する.

Consider the emotional journey of someone going through a divorce. How might they feel before, during, and after the process?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

The most common and direct way to say 'to divorce' in Japanese is 離婚する (rikon suru). It is a verb that refers to the legal dissolution of a marriage and is widely understood in various contexts.

Yes, there are different ways divorce can be processed. The most common is agreed divorce (協議離婚 - kyōgi rikon), where both parties agree. If agreement isn't possible, there is divorce mediation (離婚調停 - rikon chōtei), and if that fails, divorce litigation (離婚訴訟 - rikon soshō) through the courts.

While divorce rates have fluctuated, it has become more common in Japan compared to past decades. Societal views have also become more accepting, though it can still carry some social implications depending on the context and individuals involved.

離婚する (rikon suru) specifically refers to the legal termination of a marriage. 別れる (wakeru) is a broader term meaning 'to part' or 'to break up', and can apply to relationships that are not legally married, or to a separation that isn't legally finalized. For example, friends 別れる, but only married couples 離婚する.

離婚届 (rikon-todoke) refers to the official divorce papers or certificate that must be filed with the municipal office to legally finalize a divorce in Japan. It's a crucial document in the divorce process.

The plain form 離婚する is neutral. When speaking to elders, superiors, or in formal situations, it's more polite to use the ます form, 離婚します (rikon shimasu). However, the topic itself is sensitive, so context and relationship are key.

熟年離婚 (jukunen rikon) refers to divorces that occur among couples who have been married for many years, often after their children have grown up and left home. It's sometimes seen as a way for individuals to pursue personal happiness or independence in their later years.

Yes, you can say 離婚したい (rikon shitai). For example, 'もう一緒に暮らしたくないから、離婚したい' (Mō issho ni kurashitakunai kara, rikon shitai) means 'I don't want to live together anymore, so I want to divorce.'

Divorce in Japan involves legal procedures concerning issues like property division (財産分与 - zaisan bunyo), child custody (親権 - shinken), and child support (養育費 - yōikuhi). If couples cannot agree, they may need to go through mediation or a lawsuit.

As a 'suru' verb, it conjugates like other 'suru' verbs. For example: 離婚します (rikon shimasu - polite present/future), 離婚した (rikon shita - plain past), 離婚しない (rikon shinai - plain negative), 離婚できる (rikon dekiru - potential form).

Test Yourself 10 questions

/ 10 correct

Perfect score!

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!