Meaning and Usage
"夫婦" (ふうふ) specifically refers to a married couple, encompassing both husband and wife. It is a common noun used in everyday conversation and formal contexts alike.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "夫婦" when talking about relationships, family matters, or social situations involving married couples. It can be used neutrally without implying anything about the quality of the relationship.
Collocations and Patterns
- 夫婦仲 (ふうふなか): marital relationship, often referring to how well the couple gets along.
- 夫婦で (ふうふで): as a married couple, used when describing activities done together.
- 夫婦問題 (ふうふもんだい): marital problems, used in more serious or counseling contexts.
Register and Politeness
"夫婦" is a neutral term appropriate in both casual and formal speech. It is polite and respectful, suitable for use in conversations with strangers or in written Japanese.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "夫婦" with "家族" (family) or "結婚" (marriage). Remember, "夫婦" specifically means the married couple themselves, not the broader family or the act of marrying.