An engaged partner to whom you have promised marriage.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to a person with whom one is engaged.
- Gender-neutral term used in both formal and informal settings.
- Stronger commitment than just calling someone a boyfriend or girlfriend.
概要
「婚約者（こんやくしゃ）」は、結婚を約束したパートナーを指す名詞です。性別を問わず、男性に対しても女性に対しても使えます。2) 使用パターン: 基本的に「私の婚約者」のように所有格を伴うか、「婚約者の〇〇さん」のように名前を添えて紹介する際に使われます。3) 一般的な文脈: 友人や家族への紹介、または結婚式場や役所の手続きなどの公的な場面で使用されます。特に初対面の人に対してパートナーを紹介する際、恋人（恋人）よりも結婚の意思が固まっていることを明確に伝えることができます。4) 類語との比較: 「フィアンセ」はカタカナ語として使われますが、少しおしゃれで洗練された響きがあります。「許婚（いいなずけ）」は、昔ながらの家同士の約束や小説などの文語的なニュアンスが強く、現代の日常会話ではあまり使われません。
Examples
来月、私の婚約者を紹介します。
everydayI will introduce my fiancé next month.
婚約者との入籍を予定しています。
formalI am planning to register my marriage with my fiancé.
昨日、婚約者と指輪を見に行ったよ。
informalI went to look at rings with my fiancé yesterday.
婚約者という立場は、法的にはまだ配偶者とは異なります。
academicThe status of a fiancé is legally different from that of a spouse.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
婚約者を連れてくる
bring one's fiancé
婚約者と婚約を破棄する
break off the engagement with one's fiancé
婚約者を紹介してほしい
I want you to introduce your fiancé
Often Confused With
This term often implies an arranged marriage or a childhood promise. It is rarely used in modern contexts unless describing historical or fictional situations.
This refers specifically to a legally married spouse. '婚約者' is for someone you are engaged to, but not yet legally married to.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term is gender-neutral and formal enough for business or official documents. It is best used when you want to emphasize the seriousness of your commitment. While 'fiancé' works in casual speech, '婚約者' is safer in all contexts.
Common Mistakes
Avoid using this word if you are only dating and haven't discussed marriage. Some learners confuse it with '恋人', but '婚約者' implies a specific promise of marriage. Do not use it to refer to a spouse.
Tips
Use for clear social introductions
When introducing your partner to colleagues or new friends, using '婚約者' clearly communicates your serious status. It avoids ambiguity compared to the term '恋人'.
Avoid using it too early
Only use this term after a formal proposal or a mutual agreement to marry. Using it prematurely can cause confusion regarding your relationship status.
Cultural nuance of public announcement
In Japan, calling someone your '婚約者' implies that you have likely met each other's parents. It carries a significant weight of social responsibility.
Word Origin
The word is composed of '婚' (marriage), '約' (promise), and '者' (person). It literally translates to 'a person with whom there is a marriage promise'.
Cultural Context
In Japan, announcing someone as a '婚約者' is a significant social step. It often signals to family and society that the couple is preparing for a wedding ceremony.
Memory Tip
Think of '婚約' (engagement) + '者' (person). Just like '医者' is a doctor, '婚約者' is an 'engagement-person'.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions恋人は交際中の相手を指しますが、婚約者は結婚の約束を公的または個人的に交わした相手を指します。婚約者の方がより結婚に向けた具体的な関係であることを示します。
はい、使えます。ただし、パートナー本人に向かって「あなたは私の婚約者です」と言うことは稀で、通常は第三者に紹介する際に使います。
はい、使えます。「婚約者」よりも少しロマンチックで現代的な響きがあります。カジュアルな会話や友人同士の会話で好まれる傾向があります。
全く問題ありません。結婚に伴う休暇の申請や、招待状の宛名など、公的な場でも非常に一般的で正しい表現です。
Test Yourself
来月、私の___を紹介します。
文脈として結婚を控えた紹介であるため、婚約者が最適です。
「婚約者」とはどのような関係ですか？
婚約者は結婚の合意があるパートナーを指します。
（婚約者 / 紹介します / 私の / 今日 / ）
日本語の語順として、時を表す言葉が最初に来るのが自然です。
Score: /3
Summary
An engaged partner to whom you have promised marriage.
- Refers to a person with whom one is engaged.
- Gender-neutral term used in both formal and informal settings.
- Stronger commitment than just calling someone a boyfriend or girlfriend.
Use for clear social introductions
When introducing your partner to colleagues or new friends, using '婚約者' clearly communicates your serious status. It avoids ambiguity compared to the term '恋人'.
Avoid using it too early
Only use this term after a formal proposal or a mutual agreement to marry. Using it prematurely can cause confusion regarding your relationship status.
Cultural nuance of public announcement
In Japan, calling someone your '婚約者' implies that you have likely met each other's parents. It carries a significant weight of social responsibility.
Examples
4 of 4来月、私の婚約者を紹介します。
I will introduce my fiancé next month.
婚約者との入籍を予定しています。
I am planning to register my marriage with my fiancé.
昨日、婚約者と指輪を見に行ったよ。
I went to look at rings with my fiancé yesterday.
婚約者という立場は、法的にはまだ配偶者とは異なります。
The status of a fiancé is legally different from that of a spouse.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
More family words
還暦
B160th birthday (celebration of completing a 60-year cycle).
〜くらい
B1About; approximately; to the extent that.
認め合う
B1To recognize each other's worth; to acknowledge.
知人
B1Acquaintance.
顔見知り
A2Acquaintance; someone you know by sight.
活発な
B1Active; lively; vigorous.
甘える
B1To be spoiled, to fawn; to behave like a pampered child.
思春期
B1Adolescence; the period of transition from childhood to adulthood.
養子
B1Adopted child; a child taken into one's family by legal means.
養親
B2Adoptive parent.
