配偶者(はいぐうしゃ)

Writing

• 配(はい) - distribute, match
• 偶(ぐう) - pair, couple
• 者(しゃ) - person

Formal usage

配偶者(はいぐうしゃ) is primarily used in:

• 公式(こうしき)書類(しょるい) - official documents
• 法律(ほうりつ) - legal contexts
• 税金(ぜいきん) - tax matters
• ビザ申請(しんせい) - visa applications

Compounds

• 配偶者(はいぐうしゃ)控除(こうじょ) - spouse tax deduction
• 配偶者(はいぐうしゃ)ビザ - spouse visa
• 配偶者(はいぐうしゃ)手当(てあて) - spouse allowance

Everyday alternatives

• 夫(おっと)/妻(つま) - husband/wife
• 旦那(だんな)/奥(おく)さん - husband/wife (casual)
• 主人(しゅじん)/家内(かない) - husband/wife (humble)
• パートナー - partner

Gender neutrality

配偶者(はいぐうしゃ) is useful as a gender-neutral term that refers to either husband or wife without specifying.

Register

Formal. Used in official, legal, and administrative contexts. Not typically used in casual conversation.