Meaning and Usage
The word 未婚 (みこん) specifically refers to the state of being unmarried. It is a formal term often used in official documents, news reports, and sociological contexts rather than casual conversation.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see 未婚 used when discussing demographics, social trends, or personal status in a formal or neutral tone. For example, 未婚者 (みこんしゃ) means "unmarried person," and is common in surveys or statistics.
Collocations and Patterns
- 未婚のまま (みこんのまま): "while remaining unmarried" — used to describe continuing in an unmarried state.
- 未婚率 (みこんりつ): "unmarried rate" — a statistical term.
- 未婚女性／未婚男性: "unmarried women/men" — often used in social discussions.
Nuances and Register
未婚 is neutral and formal. It does not carry negative or positive connotations by itself but is more objective. In casual speech, people might use phrases like 結婚していない (not married) instead.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 未婚 with 独身 (どくしん), which also means "single" but emphasizes living alone or not having a spouse, and can be used more casually. 未婚 strictly means "not married," regardless of living situation.