The word 'fufu' defines the social and legal unit of a married couple.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to a legally married husband and wife.
- Used in both casual conversation and formal documents.
- Often combined with adjectives to describe specific relationship stages.
Overview
- 1概要：「夫婦（ふうふ）」は、婚姻関係にある男女のペアを指す名詞です。日常会話から公的な書類まで幅広く使われる標準的な表現です。2) 使用パターン：単に「夫婦」と言うだけでなく、「新婚夫婦」「熟年夫婦」のように形容詞を伴って特定の時期や属性を表すことがよくあります。また、「夫婦円満」「夫婦喧嘩」といった四字熟語や慣用句も一般的です。3) 一般的な文脈：自己紹介で「夫婦で旅行に来ました」と言ったり、アンケートで「夫婦二人暮らし」と回答したりするなど、生活全般の状況説明で頻繁に登場します。また、法的な文脈や社会的な統計においても「夫婦」という言葉が使われます。4) 類語との比較：「夫妻」は、相手を敬う丁寧な表現であり、手紙や招待状の宛名に使われます。一方、「夫婦」は自分たちのことや、一般的な関係性を述べる際に使うニュートラルな言葉です。「カップル」は結婚しているとは限らない男女のペアを指しますが、「夫婦」は必ず婚姻関係があることを前提としています。
Examples
私たちは結婚して3年になる夫婦です。
everydayWe are a couple who have been married for three years.
田中様ご夫妻をご招待いたします。
formalWe would like to invite Mr. and Mrs. Tanaka.
夫婦で週末に映画を見に行く。
informalWe go to see a movie as a couple on the weekend.
現代社会における夫婦のあり方は多様化している。
academicThe nature of marriage in modern society is diversifying.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
夫婦水入らず
just the couple alone
夫婦の絆
bond between a couple
夫婦二人三脚
working together as a couple
Often Confused With
Used primarily as a polite term to address or refer to another married couple. Never use it to refer to yourself.
Refers to a dating pair or a couple in a romantic relationship. Does not necessarily imply they are legally married.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'fufu' when referring to your own marriage or in a neutral, descriptive context. For addressing others formally, use 'fusai' to show respect. It is a noun that describes the state of being married, not the individuals separately.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often use 'fufu' to address others directly, which can sound slightly blunt. Always use 'go-fusai' when writing to or speaking about someone else's marriage. Also, do not confuse it with 'kappuru' when describing married people.
Tips
Use Fufu for general descriptions
When describing your own or others' marital status, 'fufu' is the most natural and standard choice. Avoid using it as a title for others in formal letters; use 'fusai' instead.
Do not use for dating partners
Do not call a boyfriend and girlfriend 'fufu'. Use 'koibito' or 'kappuru' instead to avoid confusion.
The concept of 'Fuufu Enman'
Japanese culture values 'fuufu enman', which means a harmonious and peaceful marriage. It is a common wish or goal for many couples.
Word Origin
The word originates from the combination of 'fu' (husband/man) and 'fu' (wife/woman). It reflects the traditional structure of a household unit in Japan.
Cultural Context
Marriage in Japan is often viewed as a union of two families, not just two individuals. The term 'fufu' encompasses this social responsibility as well as the personal relationship.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Fu' + 'u' + 'fu' as two 'Fu's (husband and wife) joined by a 'u' (union). It is a simple sound to remember for a simple concept.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「夫婦」は自分たちや一般的な関係を指すのに対し、「夫妻」は他人の夫婦を呼ぶ際に使う敬語的な表現です。手紙の宛名などでは「佐藤様ご夫妻」のように使います。
現代の日本では「夫婦」という言葉は主に男女の婚姻に対して使われますが、社会の変化とともにパートナーシップ関係にある二人を指して使われる場面も増えています。
はい、「ふうふ」と読みます。最初の「ふう」を少し伸ばすのが正しい発音です。
二人の関係が結婚していることを説明したい時や、社会的な役割としての二人を指す時に使います。
Test Yourself
私たちは結婚して5年になる___です。
結婚している二人を指す言葉は「夫婦」です。
手紙の宛名として適切なのは？
他人の夫婦を呼ぶ際は「ご夫妻」が最も丁寧で適切です。
（夫婦 / 仲の良い / 私たちは / です）
「私たちは＋形容詞＋名詞＋です」の語順が自然です。
Score: /3
Summary
The word 'fufu' defines the social and legal unit of a married couple.
- Refers to a legally married husband and wife.
- Used in both casual conversation and formal documents.
- Often combined with adjectives to describe specific relationship stages.
Use Fufu for general descriptions
When describing your own or others' marital status, 'fufu' is the most natural and standard choice. Avoid using it as a title for others in formal letters; use 'fusai' instead.
Do not use for dating partners
Do not call a boyfriend and girlfriend 'fufu'. Use 'koibito' or 'kappuru' instead to avoid confusion.
The concept of 'Fuufu Enman'
Japanese culture values 'fuufu enman', which means a harmonious and peaceful marriage. It is a common wish or goal for many couples.
Examples
4 of 4私たちは結婚して3年になる夫婦です。
We are a couple who have been married for three years.
田中様ご夫妻をご招待いたします。
We would like to invite Mr. and Mrs. Tanaka.
夫婦で週末に映画を見に行く。
We go to see a movie as a couple on the weekend.
現代社会における夫婦のあり方は多様化している。
The nature of marriage in modern society is diversifying.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
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.
