What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'This direction is my wife' because kochira is a polite way to refer to a person or a direction.
Which one should you use?
While tsuma is the standard word for your own wife when speaking to others, you should not use it to address her directly. Additionally, there is a distinction in how you refer to other people's spouses: use tsuma for your own wife, but use okusan when referring to someone else's wife. Another variation is こちらが私の妻です, which is a polite and respectful way to introduce her, particularly when introducing her to elders or higher-ranking individuals.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form こちらは私の妻です is polite and suitable for introducing your wife to colleagues, acquaintances or people you do not know well. For a more casual setting among close friends or family members, you can use the informal expression この人が妻なんだ.
How do you pronounce it?
kochira wa watashi no tsuma desu
Did you know?
- The word kanai, sometimes used instead of tsuma, literally translates to 'inside the house', referencing a historical social divide between public and domestic roles.
- The word kochira in this phrase does not actually mean 'this person'. It is a demonstrative that refers to a direction, used as a polite way to avoid pointing directly at your wife.
- Using the word ryousai to describe a wife implies she is a 'good wife', a term that carries heavy, old-fashioned traditional connotations in modern Japan.
Examples in context
- 社長、こちらが私の妻です。President, this is my wife.
- 兄ちゃん、この人が妻なんだ。Brother, this is my wife.
- こちらは私の妻です。Kochira wa watashi no tsuma desu.This is my wife.
- 健太さん、こちらは私の妻です。Kenta-san, kochira wa watashi no tsuma desu.Kenta, this is my wife.
- 初めまして、こちらは私の妻です。Hajimemashite, kochira wa watashi no tsuma desu.Nice to meet you, this is my wife.
Example conversation
Kenta introduces his wife to his colleague Misaki at a party.
- 美咲 Misaki健太さん、こんにちは！Kenta-san, konnichiwa!Hello, Kenta!
- 健太 Kenta美咲さん、こんにちは。こちらは私の妻です。Misaki-san, konnichiwa. Kochira wa watashi no tsuma desu.Hello, Misaki. This is my wife.
- 美咲 Misakiはじめまして。よろしくお願いします。Hajimemashite. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.Nice to meet you. It's a pleasure.
- 健太 Kentaこちらこそ、よろしくお願いします。Kochira koso, yoroshiku onegaishimasu.Likewise, nice to meet you.
