舅(しゅうと)

舅(しゅうと) refers to the father of one's spouse. The kanji 舅(しゅうと) is rarely used in everyday writing; hiragana しゅうと is more common.

FORMALITY:
In formal or polite speech, 義父(ぎふ) or お義父(とう)さん is preferred. 義理(ぎり)の父(ちち) (literally "father by obligation/marriage") is also used. 舅(しゅうと) itself has a slightly literary or traditional feel.

RELATED FAMILY TERMS:

• 姑(しゅうとめ): mother-in-law
• 義父(ぎふ): father-in-law (formal/written)
• 義母(ぎぼ): mother-in-law (formal/written)
• 義理(ぎり)の両親(りょうしん): parents-in-law
• 嫁(よめ): daughter-in-law, wife
• 婿(むこ): son-in-law

CULTURAL NOTE:
Relationships with in-laws (嫁姑(よめしゅうとめ)関係(かんけい)) are a frequent topic in Japanese culture, especially the often-tense relationship between a wife and her mother-in-law.