離婚 — meaning in English: divorce

rikon · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for divorce

ビュー

byū

大多数

daitasuu

やり方

yarikata

サークル

sākuru

離婚

rikon

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Japanese for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral common

Usage

Native speakers use the word '離婚' (rikon) in conversations related to relationships, especially when discussing the ending of a marriage. For instance, during family discussions or legal consultations about divorce proceedings, this term is often used to clearly convey the nature of the situation.

Synonyms & nuances

'離婚' (rikon) is specifically used for the legal process of divorce, whereas '別れる' (wakareru) means to part or separate in a broader sense and can refer to various types of relationships, including friendships. Use '離婚' when you want to emphasize the formal aspect of ending a marriage.

Culture

'離婚' (rikon) literally translates to 'leaving the marriage.' In Japan, divorce has historically been a stigmatized topic, but recent societal changes have made it more openly discussed. The word represents not just the legal aspect of divorce, but also the emotional and social challenges that come with it, reflecting a significant cultural shift in attitudes towards marriage and separation.

FAQ

Q.What does 離婚 (rikon) mean in English?

'離婚' (rikon) means 'divorce' in English, referring specifically to the legal dissolution of a marriage.

Q.How do you use 离婚 in a sentence?

You can use '離婚' in a sentence like '彼らは離婚します' (Karera wa rikon shimasu), which means 'They will divorce.' This shows a definite action regarding the separation.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using the word rikon?

One common mistake is confusing '離婚' with '別れる' (wakareru). While '離婚' specifically refers to divorce, '別れる' can be used in various contexts, so it’s important to choose the right word based on the relationship type.

Learn japanese with Maspeak →

Japanese 2000