Meaning and Usage
The word 嫁 (よめ) primarily means "bride" or "daughter-in-law" in Japanese. It is often used to refer to a woman who has married into a family, especially from the perspective of the husband's family. In everyday conversation, 嫁 can mean "wife," but it carries a nuance of the woman joining her husband's household.
Common Collocations
- 嫁に行く: to marry and move into the husband's family
- 嫁姑問題 (よめしゅうとめもんだい): issues between daughter-in-law and mother-in-law
- 嫁入り: the act of marriage, especially the bride's side
Usage Notes
When using 嫁, be aware it can sound informal or even slightly old-fashioned depending on context. It is more common in family or casual settings rather than formal speech. Also, 嫁 focuses on the woman's role in relation to her husband's family, so it might not be appropriate when simply referring to one's wife in a neutral way.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 嫁 with 妻 (つま), which also means "wife." 妻 is more neutral and formal, while 嫁 emphasizes the familial relationship and the woman's role after marriage. Use 嫁 when discussing family dynamics or traditional contexts.