Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| カップル | kappuru | [ka̠p̚pɯ̟ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| ペア | pea | [pe̞a̠] (narrow) |
| 対 | tsui | [t͡sɨi] (narrow) |
| 一対 | ittsui | [it̚t͡sɨi] (narrow) |
| 夫婦 | fūfu | [ɸɯ̟ːɸɯ̟] (narrow) [me̞o̞to̞] (narrow) |
In Japanese, the word you choose depends on whether you are describing a romantic relationship, a marriage or simply two matching items. カップル is used to refer to a romantic couple, regardless of whether they are married or currently dating. If you want to emphasize that a couple has a strong bond or a good relationship, you can use the term 仲の良いカップル.
Which one should you use?
The different forms carry distinct meanings: カップル specifically refers to a romantic couple. 夫婦 refers specifically to a married couple or a husband and wife. ペア is a neutral term used for a matching set of two things or people, such as a pair of shoes or a pair of performers and does not necessarily imply romance. 対 is a formal counter used for objects that come in pairs, such as earrings or dice, rather than for people. 一対 also refers to a set or pair.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that two people are dating or in a relationship, you can use the informal phrase 付き合っている.
How do you pronounce it?
kappuru
Did you know?
- In Japan, the term ペア is frequently used for 'matching' items that couples buy to show their bond, such as ペアリング for matching rings or ペアグラス for matching glasses.
- The kanji used in 対 (tai) has deep roots in Middle Chinese, representing the concept of 'facing' or 'being opposite' to one another.
- The word 夫婦 can be used as a general term for any married couple, but in formal contexts, it may be replaced by ご夫婦 to show respect to the couple being discussed.
Examples in context
- 彼らは夫婦だ。They're a couple.This sentence uses 夫婦 to show that someone is a husband and wife.Tatoeba #3366800 by arnab, translation #3365391 by CK
- 私達は夫婦です。We're a married couple.This sentence uses 夫婦 to show that 'we' are a married couple.Tatoeba #151293 by small_snow, translation #1003906 by CK
- 彼らは似合いのカップルだ。They are a good couple.This sentence uses カップル to describe a good romantic couple.Tatoeba #96949 by arnab, translation #305577 by CK
- 彼らは素敵な夫婦です。They are a lovely couple.
- 彼女は彼とのカップル写真を投稿しました。She posted a couple photo with him.
- 彼らはまだ付き合っている。They are still a couple.
- 彼らは仲良しカップルだね。They are such a close couple.
- 26 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Youta are people-watching at a cafe.
- 美咲 Misakiあのカップル、すごく仲が良さそうだね。Ano kappuru, sugoku naka ga yosasou dane.That couple looks like they get along really well.
- 陽太 Yota本当だね。美咲もそんな風になりたい？Hontou dane. Misaki mo sonna fuu ni naritai?True. Do you want to be like that too, Misaki?
- 美咲 Misakiもちろん！陽太と一緒に、素敵なカップルになりたいよ。Mochiron! Youta to issho ni, suteki na kappuru ni naritai yo.Of course! I want to be a wonderful couple with you, Youta.
- 陽太 Yota僕もだよ。楽しみだね。Boku mo da yo. Tanoshimi dane.Me too. I'm looking forward to it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “couple” translations and entries カップル, ペア, 対, 一対, 夫婦, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries カップル, ペア, 対, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
