Learning how to express your marital status in Japanese can come in handy during various social situations or when engaging in conversations with native speakers. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to say “I am married” in Japanese. We will also provide tips, examples, and delve into any regional variations that may be necessary to know. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “I am Married” in Japanese
When speaking in formal settings, it is important to choose the appropriate language to convey your marital status politely. Here are some phrases you can use:
1. Watashi wa kekkon shiteimasu
This phrase translates directly to “I am married” in English. It is the formal way to express your marital status. Remember to use it with the subject pronoun “watashi” (I) and the verb “shiteimasu” (am doing).
Example: Watashi wa kekkon shiteimasu. – “I am married.”
2. Watashi wa kekkon shimashita
This phrase means “I got married” and is appropriate when talking about your past marital status. Use it to indicate that you are currently married but got married at some point in the past.
Example: Watashi wa kekkon shimashita. – “I am married (I got married).”
Informal Ways to Say “I am Married” in Japanese
In informal situations or when talking with friends, you can use less formal language to express your marital status. Here are some informal phrases:
1. Kekkon shiteiru
Saying “Kekkon shiteiru” is a casual way to state that you are married. This phrase includes the verb “shiteiru,” which means “doing.” Remember to use it with the appropriate subject pronoun based on your gender.
Example (for males): Ore wa kekkon shiteiru. – “I am married.”
Example (for females): Watashi wa kekkon shiteiru. – “I am married.”
2. Kekkon shita
This phrase means “I got married” and is commonly used in informal conversation. It can imply that you are currently married, as well as talking about your past marriage.
Example: Kekkon shita. – “I am married (I got married).”
A Note on Regional Variations
Japanese is spoken not only in Japan but also in various other regions such as Okinawa, Hokkaido, and Nagano. While the phrases mentioned earlier are understood across Japan, there might be slight regional variations. Considering this, below are a couple of regional variations:
1. Kekkon shitemasu (in Okinawa dialect)
In the Okinawa region, instead of “kekkon shiteimasu,” the variant “kekkon shitemasu” is commonly used to express “I am married” formally. The “shitemasu” form is unique to Okinawa’s dialect.
2. Kekkon shetan (in Hokkaido dialect)
Hokkaido, being a distinct region with its own dialect, has a variation for “I am married” as well. In Hokkaido’s dialect, “kekkon shetan” is often used to convey the same meaning.
Putting It All Together
Let’s summarize the phrases we’ve learned, both formal and informal versions:
Formal:
- Watashi wa kekkon shiteimasu. – “I am married.”
- Watashi wa kekkon shimashita. – “I got married.”
Informal:
- Kekkon shiteiru. – “I am married.”
- Kekkon shita. – “I got married.”
Remember, the choice of which phrase to use depends on the formality of the situation and your relationship with the person you are speaking to.
It’s essential to note that gestures and facial expressions also play a significant role in communication. When discussing personal matters like marriage, maintaining a warm and friendly tone creates a positive atmosphere for conversation.
With this guide, you now have a solid foundation for expressing your marital status in Japanese, whether formally or informally. Practice using these phrases, pay attention to regional variations when necessary, and enjoy engaging in conversations with native Japanese speakers!
