Meaning and Usage
"奥さん" (おくさん) is a polite and respectful way to refer to someone else's wife. It is commonly used in everyday conversation when talking about or to a married man’s spouse, especially in formal or semi-formal contexts.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "奥さん" used when introducing or mentioning another person's wife, or when speaking politely about someone's family. It is less common to use this term when referring to your own wife; instead, people usually say "妻" (つま) or "家内" (かない).
Collocations and Patterns
- "田中さんの奥さん" — Mr. Tanaka's wife, a common way to specify whose wife.
- "奥さんは〜" — Used to talk about the wife’s actions or state.
- "奥さんによろしく" — A polite phrase to send regards to someone's wife.
Register and Politeness
This word is polite and respectful, suitable for use in conversations with acquaintances, colleagues, or in formal situations. Avoid using "奥さん" to refer to your own wife, as it can sound distant or overly formal.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "奥さん" with "妻". Remember, "奥さん" is used for others' wives, while "妻" is used for your own. Using "奥さん" to refer to your own wife can sound unnatural or overly formal.