持参金
jisankin[d͡ʑisã̠ŋʲkʲĩɴ]
The English word dowry is translated into Japanese as 持参金 (jisankin).
持参金 is a noun referring to property or payment given at the time of marriage. While it can refer to any property brought to a marriage, it is most commonly used in a modern context to refer to the money or assets a bride's family provides.
Meaning: property or payment given at time of marriage (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is jisankin.
Did you know?
- Discussing 持参金 openly is often considered taboo or outdated in contemporary Japanese social circles.
- Historically, 持参金 was not just about money but often included high-quality textiles and furniture to establish the new household.
- Japanese has a specific term 結納 for the formal betrothal ceremony where these financial arrangements are officially negotiated.
Examples in context
- 彼女の家族は多額の持参金を準備した。Kanojo no kazoku wa tagaku no jisan-kin o junbi shita.Her family prepared a large dowry.
- 昔は持参金が結婚に不可欠だった。Mukashi wa jisan-kin ga kekkon ni fukaketsu datta.In the past, a dowry was essential for marriage.
- 持参金の内容について話し合う必要がある。Jisan-kin no naiyō ni tsuite hanashiau hitsuyō ga aru.It is necessary to discuss the details of the dowry.
Example conversation
A couple is discussing historical customs in a cafe.
- 結衣 Yui昔の結婚では、持参金がとても重要だったんだよ。Mukashi no kekkon de wa, jisan-kin ga totemo jūyō datta ndayo.In old-fashioned marriages, a dowry was very important.
- 健太 Kentaへえ、持参金だけで生活できるくらいだったの？Hee, jisan-kin dake de seikatsu dekiru kurai datta no?Wow, was it enough to live on just the dowry?
- 結衣 Yui健太さん、それは少し言い過ぎかも。Kenta-san, sore wa sukoshi iisugi kamo.Kenta, that might be a bit of an exaggeration.
- 健太 Kentaそうだね、でも歴史の勉強にはなるよ。Sō da ne, demo rekishi no benkyō ni wa naru yo.True, but it is good for learning history.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dowry” translations and entries 持参金, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
