別居 in 30 Seconds
- 別居 (Bekkyo) means living separately from family or a spouse.
- It is commonly used as a suru-verb (別居する) in Japanese.
- While it often suggests marital trouble, it can also be for work or school.
- It is the direct opposite of 同居 (doukyo), which means living together.
The Japanese term 別居 (Bekkyo) is a multifaceted noun that primarily translates to "living separately" or "separation." While in English, "separation" often implies a romantic relationship on the verge of ending, bekkyo in Japanese covers a broader spectrum of living arrangements. It is composed of two kanji: 別 (betsu), meaning "separate" or "different," and 居 (kyo), meaning "reside" or "dwell." Together, they describe the physical act of inhabiting different domiciles. This term is most frequently encountered in the context of family dynamics, particularly between married couples or between parents and adult children. In contemporary Japan, the nuance of bekkyo can range from a neutral description of logistical necessity to a heavy, emotionally charged state preceding a legal divorce.
- Marital Separation
- This is the most common use, referring to a husband and wife living in different houses. It is often a formal step taken before filing for divorce (離婚 - rikon), allowing both parties space to reconsider the relationship or fulfill legal residency requirements for certain types of mediation.
私たちは現在、離婚を前提に別居しています。
(We are currently living separately with the intention of getting a divorce.)
- Parent-Child Independence
- In discussions about elderly care, bekkyo is used to describe children who live apart from their aging parents. This is contrasted with doukyo (同居), or living together in a multi-generational household, which was historically the norm in Japan but is becoming less common in urban areas.
Sociologically, bekkyo has gained new meaning with the rise of "Sotsukon" (卒婚), or "graduating from marriage." In this arrangement, couples remain legally married but choose bekkyo to pursue individual interests in their later years. This reflects a shift in Japanese society toward valuing individual autonomy within the framework of traditional institutions. Furthermore, the term is used in legal contexts, such as bekkyo-teate (separation allowance), which is money paid to support a spouse during a period of living apart. Understanding bekkyo requires recognizing that it is a physical description that carries varied social weights depending on the age of the participants and the reason for the distance. Whether it is a young adult moving out for college or a couple ending a thirty-year marriage, the word remains the standard descriptor for the physical separation of a household unit.
結婚してからも、義理の両親とは別居することにしました。
(Even after getting married, we decided to live separately from my in-laws.)
- Legal Nuance
- In Japanese law, a period of bekkyo can serve as evidence that a marriage has irretrievably broken down, which is a necessary condition for a contested divorce. Therefore, lawyers often track the exact date when bekkyo began.
Using 別居 (Bekkyo) correctly involves understanding its role as a Suru-verb noun. You will most frequently see it paired with the verb suru (to do) to form bekkyo-suru (to live separately). When indicating who you are living apart from, the particle と (to) is used, functioning like "with" or "from" in English. For example, "Living separately from my husband" becomes otto to bekkyo-suru. If you are describing the state of living apart, you use the continuous form bekkyo-shite-iru.
半年ほど前から、妻と別居しています。
(I have been living separately from my wife since about six months ago.)
Grammatically, bekkyo can also act as a modifier for other nouns. For instance, bekkyo-seikatsu (separation life/living apart) describes the lifestyle itself. In more formal or bureaucratic settings, you might see bekkyo-todoke, which is a notification of separation, though this is less common than simple verbal descriptions. It is important to note that bekkyo is a neutral term; it does not inherently mean the relationship is bad, although the context usually provides that information. If a child moves out for university, it is technically bekkyo, but the word hitorigurashi (living alone) is more common in that specific scenario.
- Common Verb Pairings
- 1. 別居を開始する (Bekkyo o kaishi suru): To start living apart (formal).
2. 別居を解消する (Bekkyo o kaishou suru): To end the separation/move back together.
3. 別居を続ける (Bekkyo o tsuzukeru): To continue living apart.
子供の教育のために、一時的に別居することに決めた。
(For the sake of the children's education, we decided to live apart temporarily.)
When discussing the reasons for bekkyo, the particle で (de) is often used to indicate the cause. For example, shigoto no tsugou de bekkyo-suru (living apart due to work circumstances). This structure is vital for clarifying that the separation isn't necessarily due to marital discord. In academic or social research, bekkyo is used to categorize household types, such as bekkyo-oyako (parents and children living apart). The versatility of the word allows it to be used in both the most intimate domestic disputes and the most dry statistical reports.
- Sentence Structure Tip
- Structure: [Person A] は [Person B] と 別居している。
Meaning: Person A is living separately from Person B.
You will encounter 別居 (Bekkyo) in a variety of real-world settings, ranging from the dramatic to the mundane. In Japanese media, specifically wide-show (tabloid/variety news) and celebrity gossip magazines, bekkyo is a buzzword used to signal trouble in a celebrity marriage. Headlines often scream "[Celebrity Name] Bekkyo!" to imply that a divorce is imminent. This has given the word a somewhat scandalous or negative connotation in the public eye when applied to couples.
週刊誌に、あの有名人夫婦が別居中だと書かれていた。
(It was written in the weekly magazine that that famous couple is currently separated.)
In television dramas (J-Dramas), bekkyo is a common plot device. It represents a turning point where characters must decide the future of their family. You might hear a character say, "Sukoshi aida, bekkyo-shiyou" (Let's live apart for a while), which is a softer way of initiating a break than asking for a divorce immediately. In these contexts, the word is heavy with tension and unspoken emotion. Conversely, in a workplace or professional environment, you might hear bekkyo mentioned during HR interviews or when discussing employee benefits. If an employee's family lives in another prefecture, they are in a bekkyo state, which might entitle them to travel stipends to visit their family.
- News & Media
- Used to report on demographic shifts (e.g., more elderly people living apart from children) or celebrity scandals. It is a precise, objective term for news reporting.
In legal and administrative settings, bekkyo is a standard term. When applying for government assistance, housing, or dealing with tax filings, you may be asked if you are doukyo (living with) or bekkyo (living apart) from your dependents. This is a purely logistical distinction. For instance, a student living in a dormitory is bekkyo from their parents for tax purposes. Finally, you will hear this word in casual conversations among friends, though often whispered. If someone says, "Jitsu wa, ima bekkyo-shiteru n da" (Actually, I'm living apart [from my spouse] right now), it is a serious confession of personal trouble.
政府の統計によると、高齢者の別居率が年々上昇している。
(According to government statistics, the rate of elderly people living separately is increasing every year.)
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 別居 (Bekkyo) is assuming it is synonymous with "divorce." While bekkyo is often a precursor to divorce, they are legally and socially distinct. You can be bekkyo for twenty years and still be legally married. Conversely, you cannot be rikon (divorced) and still be bekkyo in the same sense, as the latter implies a separation of an existing legal unit. Another common error is using the wrong particle. English speakers often want to use kara (from) because we say "separated from someone." However, in Japanese, the standard is to (with/and), reflecting the idea of being in a state of separation relative to another person.
- Mistake: Confusing with Hitorigurashi
- Learners often use bekkyo to mean "living alone." While bekkyo might result in living alone, hitorigurashi is the correct term for the lifestyle of living by oneself. Bekkyo focuses on the separation from a specific group (family/spouse), not the number of people in the new home.
× 私は一人で別居しています。
○ 私は一人暮らしをしています。
(Note: The first sentence sounds like you are separated from yourself!)
Another nuance mistake is using bekkyo when tanshin-funin is more appropriate. If a husband moves to Osaka for work while the family stays in Tokyo, calling it bekkyo might lead listeners to believe the marriage is failing. Using tanshin-funin clarifies that the separation is purely professional and usually temporary. Furthermore, avoid using bekkyo for short-term situations like a business trip or a week-long vacation. Bekkyo implies a semi-permanent or permanent change in residency status.
- Mistake: Misunderstanding Kanji
- Sometimes learners confuse bekkyo with betsuri (別離). Betsuri is a poetic or literary word for "parting" or "farewell," often used in songs. Bekkyo is the practical, everyday word for living in different houses.
Lastly, be careful with the level of formality. While bekkyo is not overly formal, it is a clinical term. In very casual conversation with close friends, people might use phrases like "hanarete kurashiteru" (living apart) or "uchi o deta" (left the house) to describe the same situation without the "official" sounding label of bekkyo. Using bekkyo in a casual setting can make the situation sound more serious or legalistic than intended.
To truly master 別居 (Bekkyo), it is helpful to compare it with related terms that describe living arrangements or separations. The Japanese language has several specific words that cover ground similar to bekkyo, but with distinct nuances based on the cause of the separation or the relationship involved.
- 別居 vs. 同居 (Doukyo)
- 同居 is the direct antonym, meaning "living together." It is often used to describe living with in-laws or roommates. In surveys, you are usually asked to choose between these two.
- 別居 vs. 単身赴任 (Tanshin-funin)
- 単身赴任 is a specific type of living apart caused by a job transfer. It implies the family remains a unit and the separation is a sacrifice for the sake of the career. Bekkyo is much more general and can imply relationship trouble.
- 別居 vs. 一人暮らし (Hitorigurashi)
- 一人暮らし focuses on the fact that you are living alone. You can be bekkyo from your parents but live with three roommates; in that case, you are bekkyo but not hitorigurashi.
彼は単身赴任中なので、家族とは別居しています。
(Since he is on a solo work assignment, he is living separately from his family.)
Other alternatives include hanarete kurasu (離れて暮らす), which is a softer, more descriptive way to say "living apart." This is preferred in casual conversation to avoid the clinical feel of bekkyo. There is also kakkyo (隔居), a very rare and formal term for living in separate places, and betsutaku (別宅), which refers to having a second or separate residence. In the context of romantic breakups that aren't marriages, people usually use wakare (separation/breakup) rather than bekkyo, as bekkyo strongly implies a departure from a shared home.
Finally, the term sotsukon (卒婚) is an important cultural alternative. While it involves bekkyo, it is a lifestyle choice rather than a state of conflict. Using sotsukon provides a positive framing for a couple living apart. Understanding these synonyms and their specific contexts allows you to choose the word that accurately reflects the emotional and social reality of the situation, rather than just the physical fact of two different addresses.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The character '居' (kyo) also appears in the word 'Izakaya' (居酒屋), which literally means a 'stay-drink-shop.'
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'kyo' as two syllables (kee-yo).
- Forgetting the small 'tsu' pause between 'be' and 'kyo'.
- Misplacing the stress on the final 'o'.
- Confusing the vowel 'u' with 'o' at the end.
- Pronouncing 'betsu' and 'kyo' separately without the geminate consonant.
Difficulty Rating
The kanji are relatively common but requires knowing the 'Kyo' reading.
Writing '居' can be tricky for beginners due to the stroke order.
Easy to pronounce once the geminate 'kk' is mastered.
Can be confused with other 'kyo' words if the context isn't clear.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Suru-verbs
別居する、別居した、別居している
Particle 'to' for relationships
妻と別居する
Continuous state '~te iru'
現在、別居しています
Compound nouns with '~chuu'
別居中 (in the middle of separation)
Noun modification with 'no'
別居の理由 (reason for separation)
Examples by Level
父と母は別居しています。
My father and mother live in separate houses.
Uses 'to' for 'with/from' and 'shite-imasu' for the current state.
私は家族と別居しています。
I live separately from my family.
A1 level structure: [Group] to [Verb].
別居は寂しいですか？
Is living apart lonely?
Using 'bekkyo' as a noun subject.
兄は今、別居しています。
My older brother is living separately now.
Simple present continuous state.
別居は大変です。
Living apart is difficult.
Noun + wa + Adjective.
私たちは別居することにしました。
We decided to live separately.
koto ni shimashita indicates a decision.
どこで別居していますか？
Where are you living separately?
Interrogative sentence.
別居の家はどこですか？
Where is the separate house?
Using 'no' to link two nouns.
仕事のために、夫と別居しています。
I am living apart from my husband because of work.
'no tame ni' shows the reason.
両親と別居して、一人暮らしを始めました。
I separated from my parents and started living alone.
Te-form to connect two actions.
別居している家族に電話をかけます。
I will call my family who lives separately.
Relative clause: 'bekkyo shite iru' modifies 'kazoku'.
彼女はアパートで別居しています。
She is living separately in an apartment.
Particle 'de' indicates the location of action.
来月から別居する予定です。
I plan to live separately starting next month.
Dictionary form + yotei desu (plan).
別居していても、仲が良いです。
Even though we live apart, we are on good terms.
Te-form + mo (even if/even though).
別居の理由を教えてください。
Please tell me the reason for the separation.
Polite request using 'te kudasai'.
まだ別居したばかりです。
I have only just started living separately.
Ta-form + bakari desu (just finished).
その夫婦は、離婚する前に一年間別居しました。
The couple lived separately for a year before getting divorced.
mae ni (before) used with a noun/clause.
別居生活は思ったよりお金がかかります。
Living apart costs more money than I thought.
omotta yori (than I thought) comparison.
子供が大学に入るので、一時的に別居することになった。
Since the child is entering university, it was decided we would live apart temporarily.
koto ni natta (it was decided/it turned out).
別居中の妻と、これからのことを話し合った。
I discussed the future with my wife, who I am currently separated from.
bekkyo-chuu (during separation) as a compound.
彼は家族と別居してまで、夢を追いかけたいと言った。
He said he wanted to pursue his dream even to the extent of living apart from his family.
V-te made (even to the extent of).
別居が長引くと、元の生活に戻るのが難しくなる。
If the separation drags on, it becomes difficult to return to the original life.
Conditional 'to' indicating a natural consequence.
都会では親と別居するのが一般的です。
In the city, it is common to live separately from one's parents.
Noun clause + no wa ippanteki desu.
別居してから、自分の時間が増えました。
Since I started living apart, my personal time has increased.
Te-form + kara (since).
法律上は、長期間の別居は婚姻関係の破綻とみなされることがある。
Legally, long-term separation may be considered a breakdown of the marital relationship.
to minasareru (be considered/regarded as).
別居という選択肢が、必ずしも悪い結果を招くわけではない。
The option of living apart does not necessarily lead to a bad result.
wake de wa nai (it doesn't mean that...).
経済的な理由で別居を解消し、再び同居することにした。
We decided to end the separation and live together again for economic reasons.
de (reason) + kaishou suru (cancel/resolve).
別居中の配偶者に対しても、生活費を支払う義務があります。
There is an obligation to pay living expenses even to a spouse from whom you are separated.
ni taishite (towards/against).
別居を機に、お互いの大切さを再確認した。
Taking the separation as an opportunity, we reaffirmed each other's importance.
wo ki ni (taking... as an opportunity).
共働きの増加に伴い、週末だけ別居する夫婦も増えている。
Along with the increase in dual-income households, couples who live apart only on weekends are also increasing.
ni tomonai (along with/as...).
別居しているからこそ、会った時の会話を大切にしている。
Precisely because we live apart, we value the conversations when we meet.
kara koso (precisely because).
彼女は別居して以来、一度も実家に戻っていない。
She hasn't returned to her parents' house even once since she started living apart.
te irai (since... and ever since).
別居が子供の心理状態に与える影響は、無視できないほど大きい。
The impact that separation has on a child's psychological state is so large that it cannot be ignored.
ni ataeru eikyou (impact given to...).
卒婚という新しい形態の別居が、中高年層の間で浸透しつつある。
A new form of separation called 'Sotsukon' is becoming widespread among the middle-aged and elderly.
tsutsu aru (is in the process of...).
別居を強行したことが、裁判では不利な材料となった。
The fact that they forced a separation became an unfavorable factor in court.
kyoukou suru (to force/carry out against opposition).
物理的な別居以上に、精神的な乖離の方が深刻な問題だ。
More than the physical separation, the spiritual/mental estrangement is the more serious problem.
ijou ni (more than).
長年の別居の末、ようやく円満な離婚が成立した。
After many years of separation, an amicable divorce was finally established.
no sue (at the end of/after a long process).
別居を余儀なくされた被災者たちの苦悩は計り知れない。
The suffering of the disaster victims who were forced into separation is immeasurable.
wo yoginaku sareru (be forced to do).
別居という形態をとることで、かえって夫婦の絆が深まる場合もある。
By taking the form of separation, there are cases where the bond between the couple actually deepens.
kaette (on the contrary/actually).
別居に伴う諸問題を解決するために、専門家の助言を求めた。
In order to resolve the various problems accompanying separation, we sought expert advice.
ni tomonau (accompanying).
別居の常態化が、伝統的な家族観の変容を如実に物語っている。
The normalization of living apart vividly tells the story of the transformation of traditional family values.
nyojitsu ni monogataru (vividly tell/reveal).
婚姻の継続を困難にする重大な事由として、別居の期間が重視される。
As a grave reason that makes the continuation of marriage difficult, the period of separation is emphasized.
juushi sareru (be emphasized/regarded as important).
別居という空間的隔絶が、個人のアイデンティティ再構築に寄与する。
The spatial isolation of separation contributes to the reconstruction of an individual's identity.
ni kiyo suru (contribute to).
家族の絆を「同居」という形式にのみ求める時代は、既に終焉を迎えた。
The era of seeking family bonds only in the form of 'living together' has already reached its end.
shuuen wo mukaeru (come to an end).
別居による世帯の細分化が、社会保障制度の持続可能性を脅かしている。
The fragmentation of households due to separation is threatening the sustainability of the social security system.
wo obiyakasu (to threaten).
別居という擬似的な自由の中で、葛藤し続ける現代人の姿が描かれている。
The figure of modern people continuing to struggle within the pseudo-freedom of separation is depicted.
gijiteki na (pseudo/simulated).
別居を巡る法解釈の変遷は、社会全体の倫理観の推移を反映している。
The transition of legal interpretations surrounding separation reflects the shift in the ethical values of society as a whole.
wo meguru (surrounding/concerning).
別居がもたらす孤独の深淵を、文学的表現で昇華させる試み。
An attempt to sublimate the abyss of loneliness brought by separation through literary expression.
shouka saseru (to sublimate).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Currently living separately. This is the most common way to state the situation.
今は夫と別居しています。
— A marriage where the couple chooses to live in separate homes from the start.
私たちは別居婚というスタイルを選んだ。
— A separation allowance, often paid by a company or as part of marital support.
会社から別居手当が支給される。
— An unofficial term for notifying someone (like an employer) of a change in living status.
会社に別居届を提出した。
— De facto separation; living apart without formal legal status.
彼らは事実上の別居状態にある。
— The duration or period of time spent living apart.
別居期間が5年に及んだ。
— The non-custodial parent or the parent living away from the child.
別居親との面会交流を行う。
— Family members who live in different households.
別居家族に仕送りをする。
— To force a separation against the other person's will.
彼女は別居を強行して家を出た。
— Resolution of a problem (or a relationship) through living apart.
別居によるストレスの解消を図る。
Often Confused With
Rikon is the legal end of a marriage. Bekkyo is just living apart.
Hitorigurashi means living alone. Bekkyo means living apart from a specific group.
Betsuri is poetic 'parting.' Bekkyo is practical 'living apart.'
Idioms & Expressions
— Separation is the first step to divorce. A common saying about the trajectory of marital trouble.
別居は離婚の第一歩だと言われるが、修復することもある。
Casual/Proverbial— Living apart but staying close; a separation that maintains a certain level of connection.
彼らは付かず離れずの別居を楽しんでいる。
Neutral— A 'mask couple' (outwardly fine) who actually live in separate houses.
世間体のため、仮面夫婦のまま別居している。
Critical— Not being under the same roof. A descriptive idiom for bekkyo.
もう私たちは同じ屋根の下にはいない。
Emotional— Emotional separation; living together physically but being completely separate mentally.
同居していても、それは心の別居だ。
Metaphorical— Separation for the purpose of putting distance between people to cool down.
冷静になるために、距離を置くための別居を提案した。
Neutral— Only after living apart does one understand (the value of the other person).
別居してこそ分かるありがたみがある。
Reflective— Separation in form only; perhaps living in the same building but different units.
それは形ばかりの別居に過ぎない。
Skeptical— To 'improve the ventilation' (refresh the relationship) by living apart.
別居で夫婦仲の風通しを良くしようとした。
Metaphorical— Loneliness brought about by living apart.
別居が招く孤独に耐えられなかった。
SeriousEasily Confused
Both involve a spouse living away.
Tanshin-funin is strictly for work and implies no marital trouble. Bekkyo is general and can imply trouble.
彼は単身赴任中で、不仲で別居しているわけではない。
Sounds similar and involves separation.
Ribetsu is a formal term for separation through divorce or death. Bekkyo is just living apart.
死別や離別を経験する。
Means isolation or separation.
Kakuzetsu is much stronger, meaning completely cut off or isolated. Bekkyo is residential.
社会から隔絶された生活。
Involves moving out and living apart.
Dokuritsu means independence (financial/mental). Bekkyo is specifically about residence.
親から独立して別居する。
Both use the 'Betsu' kanji.
Bettaku is a second home (like a villa). Bekkyo is the act/state of living apart.
別宅を持っているが、別居しているわけではない。
Sentence Patterns
[Person A] は [Person B] と 別居しています。
私は親と別居しています。
[Reason] で [Person] と 別居することになった。
仕事の都合で家族と別居することになった。
別居してから [Time] になる。
別居してから３年になる。
別居を機に、[Result]。
別居を機に、仕事に集中することにした。
[Condition] なら、別居もやむを得ない。
不仲なら、別居もやむを得ない。
別居が [Noun] に与える影響は大きい。
別居が子供の成長に与える影響は大きい。
別居という形態をとる。
あえて別居という形態をとる夫婦もいる。
別居の常態化が [Phenomenon] を示唆している。
別居の常態化が家族のあり方の変化を示唆している。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Common in news, legal discussions, and adult social conversations.
-
Using 'kara' instead of 'to'.
→
夫と別居しています。
In Japanese, the relationship of separation is expressed with 'to' (with/and).
-
Using 'bekkyo' for a short vacation.
→
旅行に行っています。
Bekkyo implies a semi-permanent change in residence, not a temporary trip.
-
Confusing 'bekkyo' with 'rikon'.
→
別居していますが、離婚はしていません。
You can be separated but still legally married. They are not the same thing.
-
Saying 'Watashi wa bekkyo desu' for 'I live alone'.
→
一人暮らしです。
Bekkyo requires a reference person you are separated from. Hitorigurashi is for the lifestyle.
-
Using 'bekkyo' for friends moving out.
→
ルームシェアをやめました。
Bekkyo is almost exclusively for family and marital relationships.
Tips
State vs. Action
Use 'bekkyo shite iru' for the state of living apart. Use 'bekkyo suru' for the decision or act of moving out.
Antonym Check
Remember 'Doukyo' (同居) as the opposite. If you know one, it's easy to remember the other.
Sotsukon Nuance
If you want to sound modern and positive about older couples living apart, use the term 'Sotsukon' (卒婚).
Particle Precision
Don't use 'kara' for 'from.' Use 'to' (と) to indicate the person you are separated from.
Sensitivity
Avoid asking 'Nande bekkyo shiteru no?' (Why are you separated?) unless you are very close to the person.
Kanji Practice
Pay attention to the 'person' radical in 居. It's essential for words related to living and staying.
Context Clues
If you hear 'tanshin-funin,' the separation is for work. If you hear 'bekkyo,' check for signs of relationship issues.
Softening the Blow
To sound softer, say 'Betsu-betsu ni sunde imasu' (We live separately) instead of the more formal 'Bekkyo shite imasu'.
Formal Documents
In official documents, 'bekkyo' is the standard term. You won't see 'hitorigurashi' on a legal separation form.
Visualizing Kanji
Visualize the 'blade' in 別 cutting the 'house' in 居 into two pieces.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Betsu' as 'Better' and 'Kyo' as 'Home'. Sometimes it's 'Better' to have a separate 'Kyo' (home) to keep the peace.
Visual Association
Imagine two separate houses with a broken line connecting them, representing the family link that still exists despite the distance.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'Bekkyo' in a sentence explaining why someone might live apart from their parents using the particle 'tame ni'.
Word Origin
The word is a Sinitic (Sino-Japanese) compound. 'Betsu' (別) comes from the idea of dividing with a knife (the right radical represents a blade), and 'Kyo' (居) comes from the image of a person sitting or staying in a place.
Original meaning: To reside in a separate place.
Sino-Japanese (Kango)Cultural Context
Be careful when asking someone if they are 'bekkyo.' It can be a very private and painful topic if it involves marital strife.
In English, 'separation' almost always implies a romantic breakup. In Japanese, 'bekkyo' is more physically descriptive and can be neutral.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Marital Counseling
- 別居期間はどのくらいですか？
- 別居の理由は？
- 別居を解消したいですか？
- 別居中の連絡頻度は？
Government Forms
- 同居か別居かを選択
- 別居家族の住所
- 別居手当の有無
- 世帯分離の申請
Celebrity Gossip
- 人気俳優が別居！
- 別居の真相は？
- 不仲説による別居
- 別居から半年で離婚
Elderly Care
- 親との別居が不安
- 近居（きんきょ）と別居
- 別居介護の難しさ
- 独居老人の見守り
Corporate HR
- 別居手当の支給条件
- 単身赴任による別居
- 帰省費用の補助
- 家族手当の変更
Conversation Starters
"日本では、結婚しても別居する『別居婚』が増えているそうですね。"
"両親と別居して一人暮らしをするのは、いつからが一般的ですか？"
"仕事のために家族と別居しなければならないとしたら、どう思いますか？"
"別居生活を円満に続けるための秘訣は何だと思いますか？"
"最近、卒婚という形の別居が話題になっていますが、賛成ですか？"
Journal Prompts
もし自分がパートナーと別居することになったら、一番寂しいと思うことは何ですか？
家族と別居して暮らすことのメリットとデメリットを書き出してみましょう。
日本で『別居』のイメージが変わりつつある理由について、自分の考えを書いてください。
あなたが理想とする『別居』または『同居』のスタイルについて説明してください。
別居中の友達から相談を受けたら、どのようなアドバイスをしますか？
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it doesn't. While it's often a precursor to divorce, some couples use it as a 'cooling off' period or choose it as a permanent lifestyle (like Sotsukon) while staying married. It can also be for work or school.
Bekkyo focuses on the fact that you are separated from someone (like parents or a spouse). Hitorigurashi simply means you live by yourself. You can be in a bekkyo state but live with roommates.
It is a neutral, clinical word. However, because it often relates to family problems, it should be used with sensitivity in personal conversations.
Usually, no. 'Bekkyo' is reserved for family members or married couples. For roommates moving out, you would say 'hikkoshi' (moving) or 'dete iku' (leaving).
Use 'と' (to) to say who you are living apart from. E.g., 'Tsuma to bekkyo suru' (Living apart from my wife).
It varies. For legal divorce grounds, a period of 2 to 5 years is often cited, but many people live in a bekkyo state for much shorter or longer periods.
It is a 'separate-living marriage' where the couple chooses to live in different homes from the beginning of their marriage to maintain independence.
Yes, in HR contexts to determine if an employee lives with their family, which affects benefits and allowances.
It is written as 別居. 別 (separate) and 居 (reside).
Rarely. It is almost exclusively used for human family relationships.
Test Yourself 200 questions
Translate to Japanese: 'I am living separately from my parents.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'We decided to live apart for a while.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'Is the reason for the separation work?'
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Translate to Japanese: 'My brother started living separately last month.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'Living apart is difficult but necessary.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'They are currently separated.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'I will live apart from my family because of a job transfer.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'How long have you been living apart?'
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Translate to Japanese: 'We ended our separation and moved back together.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'Separation is not the same as divorce.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'I am looking for a house for my separation.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'My parents have been separated for ten years.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'She chose a separate-living marriage.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'The separation dragging on is a problem.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'I want to avoid separation if possible.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'Separation can lead to a new start.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'I am worried about my parents living separately.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'Separation was their mutual decision.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'He is paying a separation allowance.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'Separation gives us time to think.'
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日本の「別居婚」についてどう思いますか？自分の意見を言ってください。
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あなたは家族と別居していますか、同居していますか？
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別居生活のメリットは何だと思いますか？
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もし仕事のためにパートナーと別居しなければならなくなったら、どうしますか？
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「卒婚」という言葉を知っていますか？説明してください。
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別居している家族と、どのように連絡を取っていますか？
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別居が子供に与える影響について、どう考えますか？
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別居を解消するためには、何が必要だと思いますか？
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あなたは一人暮らし（別居）と、家族と同居、どちらが好きですか？
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「別居は離婚の第一歩」という意見に賛成ですか？
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別居している親に、どのようなサポートができますか？
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都会での別居と田舎での別居、違いは何だと思いますか？
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別居生活で一番大変なことは何だと思いますか？
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最近の日本で別居が増えている理由は何だと思いますか？
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別居中の夫婦が仲直りするためには、どうすればいいですか？
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もしあなたが有名人だったら、別居を公表しますか？
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別居による孤独をどうやって乗り越えますか？
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「近居」というスタイルについて、どう思いますか？
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別居して初めて分かった家族のありがたみはありますか？
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別居という言葉を使って、短い物語を作ってください。
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Listen to the dialogue: 'A: 最近、佐藤さん見ないね。 B: ああ、奥さんと別居したらしいよ。' Why hasn't Sato-san been seen?
Listen to the announcement: '来月から別居手当の申請方法が変わります。' What is changing next month?
Listen to the news: 'あの人気アイドルが、不仲説を否定しつつも別居していることを認めました。' Did the idol deny the rumors of discord?
Listen to the sentence: '親と別居して、もう五年になります。' How long has the speaker lived apart from their parents?
Listen to the conversation: 'A: 離婚するの？ B: まだだよ。今は別居して考えてる。' Is Person B divorced?
Listen: '別居生活は意外と楽しいよ。' How does the speaker feel about living apart?
Listen: '仕事の都合で別居を余儀なくされました。' Why was the separation necessary?
Listen: '別居中の妻に会いに行きます。' Who is the speaker going to see?
Listen: '別居を解消することに決まりました。' What was decided?
Listen: '別居婚ってどう思う？' What is the question about?
Listen: '来年から別居を始めます。' When will the separation start?
Listen: '別居の理由は内緒です。' What is secret?
Listen: '別居してから、料理が上手くなった。' What improved after the separation?
Listen: '子供のために別居はしません。' Will they separate?
Listen: '別居は寂しいけど、慣れました。' Is the speaker still lonely?
/ 200 correct
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Summary
別居 (Bekkyo) is the standard Japanese term for 'living apart.' Whether used to describe a couple's marital separation or a child moving out, it emphasizes the physical distance between family members. Example: '私たちは今、別居しています' (We are currently living apart).
- 別居 (Bekkyo) means living separately from family or a spouse.
- It is commonly used as a suru-verb (別居する) in Japanese.
- While it often suggests marital trouble, it can also be for work or school.
- It is the direct opposite of 同居 (doukyo), which means living together.
State vs. Action
Use 'bekkyo shite iru' for the state of living apart. Use 'bekkyo suru' for the decision or act of moving out.
Antonym Check
Remember 'Doukyo' (同居) as the opposite. If you know one, it's easy to remember the other.
Sotsukon Nuance
If you want to sound modern and positive about older couples living apart, use the term 'Sotsukon' (卒婚).
Particle Precision
Don't use 'kara' for 'from.' Use 'to' (と) to indicate the person you are separated from.
Related Content
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.
甘える
B1To be spoiled, to fawn; to behave like a pampered child.
活発な
B1Active; lively; vigorous.
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.
