結婚しています
kekkon shite imasu
The English phrase "I am married" is expressed in Japanese as 結婚しています (kekkon shite imasu).
This phrase is used to describe your current marital status as being a married person.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a combination of the noun 結婚 (marriage) and the continuous form of the verb suru (to do), which literally means "is/am doing marriage" or is in the state of having done marriage.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 結婚しています is polite and suitable for most social situations, such as when talking to acquaintances or strangers. For a more casual way to state that you are married, you can use the informal 結婚している.
How does it change in a sentence?
While 結婚しています describes your current status, the phrase 結婚しました is used to describe the completed action of the wedding ceremony itself, meaning "I got married".
How do you pronounce it?
kekkon shite imasu
Did you know?
- Japanese has a specific term 仮面夫婦 (kamen fuufu), meaning 'mask couple', to describe people who are 結婚しています but pretend to be happy in public while fighting in private.
- The word 結婚 (marriage) contains the character 婚, which historically refers to the act of 'bringing a bride' into the groom's family.
- In Japan, if you say 結婚しています to a stranger, they may interpret it as a subtle way of saying you are unavailable for romantic pursuit rather than just a neutral status update.
Examples in context
- はい、結婚しています。Hai, kekkon shite imasu.Yes, I am married.
- 私はもう結婚しています。Watashi wa mou kekkon shite imasu.I am already married.
- 実は、結婚しています。Jitsu wa, kekkon shite imasu.Actually, I am married.
Example conversation
Two acquaintances meet at a social gathering.
- 健太 Kenta陽葵さんは、独身ですか？Himari-san wa, dokushin desu ka?Himari, are you single?
- 陽葵 Himariいいえ、結婚しています。Iie, kekkon shite imasu.No, I am married.
- 健太 Kentaそうなんですね。失礼しました。Sou nan desu ne. Shitsurei shimashita.I see. My apologies.
- 陽葵 Himari大丈夫ですよ。Daijoubu desu yo.It's okay.
