姑(しゅうとめ)

姑(しゅうとめ) refers specifically to the mother of one's spouse. It is the traditional native Japanese word (和語) for this relationship.

Writing

Often written in hiragana (しゅうとめ) because the kanji 姑 is not commonly known. In formal or legal contexts, 義母(ぎぼ) is preferred.

Cultural note

The 嫁(よめ)と姑(しゅうとめ) (daughter-in-law and mother-in-law) relationship is a frequent topic in Japanese media and culture, often depicted as a source of family tension. The word 嫁姑(よめしゅうとめ)問題(もんだい) refers to conflicts between these two roles.

Related words

• 舅(しゅうと): father-in-law (husband's or wife's father)
• 義母(ぎぼ): mother-in-law (formal, legal term)
• 嫁(よめ): daughter-in-law; also "wife" in some dialects
• 義理(ぎり)の母(はは): mother-in-law (polite, descriptive)