While in English there are not so many variations and ways of saying: Will you marry me? In Japanese, thanks to kanji and grammar we can think of different ways to propose to someone. In this article, we are going to look at the numerous ways on how to propose in the Japanese language.
It doesn't matter if you're not getting married or are in a relationship. Studying these wedding phrases in Japanese is important for your learning. In this lesson, you'll learn the variation of phrases that have the same goal. Read, review, and study! Just don't be crazy enough to ask for someone's hand without knowing Japanese using the phrases below.
Let's start by learning about the Japanese ways to propose to someone, which in Japanese is called: puropoozu (プロポーズ) or kyuukon (求婚). The translation into our language might sound a bit strange, but they are simple and straightforward phrases. Traditional methods are not so popular, especially if you are a foreigner. Modern Japanese women might find it strange if you try to say something like:
Will you make me miso soup every day?
僕にお味噌汁を作ってくれない?
Boku ni omisoshiru o tsukutte kurenai?
In the past, Japanese marriage proposals were very indirect and old-fashioned. Some even proclaimed eternal love in death, suggesting to stay in the same tomb. Nowadays, women expect a much more direct and straightforward marriage proposal.
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What you need to know before proposing
These days, men prefer to propose to someone through fireworks festivals or some important dinner and event. There are no more rules about proposing in Japan, do it however you want.
In Japan, you must ask your parents' permission before marrying their daughter. Before asking for the girl's hand, have at least met her parents. If the girl introduces the family, it means that she is almost ready to accept a marriage proposal.
We recommend getting to know the parents and building a good friendship with them. Some parents may be stubborn, but do not give up and remember to speak with them in Japanese. Be aware that there is also an engagement ceremony, called yuinou (結納).
Top ways to ask someone to marry you
See below the main ways to propose to someone in Japanese:
彼女にプロポーズするんだ。
Kanojo ni puropoozu surunda;
I will propose to you.
結婚してくれませんか。
Kekkon shite kuremasenka;
Will you marry me?
彼女と結婚したい。
Kanojo to kekkon shitai;
I want to marry her.
俺と結婚してくれ
Boku to kekkon shite kure
Will you marry me?
Here you use one of the ways to say I. You can use other ways like watashi, but be careful when using ore. Boku is a more humble way to ask for someone's hand in marriage.
In some situations, you may need to get straight to the point. Some people don't care so much about the proposal and have been waiting a long time for you to ask for her hand. You don't have to say anything but let's get married? Taking the person by surprise can be dangerous, so be careful not to get a no.
結婚しよう(か)
kekkon shiyou (ka)
Let's get married.
You can ask the question directly without using the か particle, in which case you will be suggesting marriage. This is the most common direct and informal way of asking someone to marry you in the Japanese language. Use it wisely!
一緒になろう
isshou ni narou
Shall we join?
Although it is a straightforward phrase, the person may not understand the expression isshou, which literally means being together.
Romantic and indirect proposals
結婚してくれないかな．．．
kekkon shite kurenai ka na…
I wonder if you don't want to marry me...
新婚旅行どこ行？
shinkon ryokō doko ikou ka?
Where will we go for our honeymoon?
僕と幸せな家庭を作りませんか？
Boku to shiawasena katei o tsukurimasen ka?
Will you raise a happy family with me?
これからもずっと俺の隣にいてください
korekara mo zutto ore no tonari ni ite kudasai
From now on, always be by my side.
今日を二人の結婚記念日にしたい
kyou o futari no kekkon kinenbi ni shitai
I want to make it our wedding anniversary today.
この印鑑をこれから使ってほしい
Kono inkan o korekara tsukatte hoshii
I want you to use this inkan from now on.
The inkan seals are stamps used as signatures, which contain the family surname.
指輪のサイズ教えて？左手薬指の
yubiwa no saizu oshiete? Hidarite kusuriyubi
Tell me your finger size. The left ring finger.
結婚式はいつにしようか?
Kekkonshiki wa itsu ni shiyouka?
When should we have our wedding ceremony?
These were some ways to ask someone to marry you in the Japanese language. Do you know other ways? When asking the girl, which one did you use? We want to hear your comments and have your joyful sharing on social media. Thank you very much! To complement, let's leave some articles related to dating and marriage below: