Meaning and Usage
"夫妻" (ふさい) specifically refers to a married couple, emphasizing the relationship between husband and wife. It is a formal and neutral term often used in written and spoken Japanese when referring to couples in general or in official contexts.
Common Contexts
You will often see "夫妻" used in news reports, formal announcements, or when describing couples in a respectful or neutral manner. It is less casual than simply saying "夫婦" (ふうふ), which also means married couple but is more common in everyday conversation.
Collocations and Patterns
- 夫妻で (ふさいで): "as a married couple"; used to describe actions done together by the couple.
- 夫妻の問題 (ふさいのもんだい): "problems of the couple"; often used in contexts discussing marital issues.
- あの夫妻 (あのふさい): "that couple"; a polite way to refer to a specific married couple.
Register and Nuance
"夫妻" carries a polite and somewhat formal tone. It is appropriate in news, official documents, or polite conversation. Avoid using it in very casual speech where "夫婦" might be more natural.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "夫妻" with "夫婦". While both mean "married couple," "夫妻" is more formal and often used in writing or formal speech. Remember to match the term to the context to sound natural.