While in Portuguese there aren’t many variations and ways to say: Will you marry me? In Japanese, thanks to kanji and grammar, we can think of several ways to ask for someone’s hand in marriage. In this article, we will see the numerous ways to propose to someone in the Japanese language.
It doesn’t matter if you are not getting married or are dating. Studying these marriage phrases in Japanese is important for your learning. You will learn in this lesson 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 who doesn’t know Japanese using the phrases below.
Let’s start by getting to know the Japanese ways to propose to someone in marriage, which in Japanese is called: puropoozu (プロポーズ) or kyuukon (求婚). The translation to our language may sound a bit strange, but they are simple and straightforward phrases. The traditional ways are not so popular, especially if you are a foreigner. Modern Japanese women may find it strange if you try to say something like:
Will you make miso soup for me 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In the past, Japanese marriage proposals were very indirect and outdated. Some even proclaimed eternal love in death, suggesting to stay in the same grave. Nowadays, women expect a marriage proposal that is much more direct and objective.
Table of Contents
What you need to know before proposing
Currently, men prefer to ask for someone’s hand in marriage through fireworks festivals or some important event and dinner. There are no more rules regarding marriage proposals in Japan, do it the way you want.
In Japan, you must ask for the parents’ permission before marrying their daughter. Before asking for the girl’s hand, you should at least have met her parents. If the girl introduces you to her family, it means she is almost ready to accept a marriage proposal.
We recommend getting to know the parents and having a good friendship with them. Some parents can be stubborn, but don’t give up and remember to speak to them in Japanese. Be aware that there is also an engagement ceremony called yuinou (結納).
Main ways to propose to someone
See below the main ways to propose to someone in the Japanese language:
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
Do you want to 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, it may be necessary to get straight to the point. Some people don’t care much about the marriage proposal and have been waiting for you to ask for her hand for a long time. You don’t need to say anything other than let’s get married? Surprising the person 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 particle か, in this case, you will be suggesting marriage. This is the direct and informal way, more common to propose to someone in the Japanese language. Use wisely!
一緒になろう
isshou ni narou
Shall we join together?
Although it is a direct 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 create 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 today our wedding anniversary.
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 seals inkan are stamps used as a signature, which have 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 propose to someone 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, we will leave some related articles about dating and marriage below:
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