"Essential Knowledge to Avoid Embarrassment! 5 Challenging Kanji Expressions Related to Marriage"

2021.03.27 published

Seemingly Readable but Actually Not?! Kanji Related to Marriage!

Kanji is difficult, isn't it? It's not uncommon for people to misremember the readings or meanings of words, even those they use every day, let alone those they use only occasionally.

This time, we will introduce "easily misread kanji" that are often used in wedding scenes.

For brides-to-be, these kanji might come in handy in the future. Let's check them out to avoid any embarrassing mistakes!

Easily Misread Kanji ① Shūgen

The first kanji is here. "祝言", which means "words of celebration" or, more broadly, refers to "celebratory events".

Although it often refers to the wedding ceremony itself, how do you read it? It’s neither "iwaigoto" nor "shūgon".

The correct reading is "Shūgen"!

"祝言" is read as "shūgen".

This word was commonly used by the previous generation of parents, so you might be surprised if you can't read it!

☑ State the shūgen

☑ Hold a shūgen

and is used in such contexts.

Easily Misread Kanji ② Keichō

Next, we have "慶弔".

This compound word combines the antonyms "慶ぶ (yorokobu)" meaning "to celebrate" and "弔う (tomurau)" meaning "to mourn", referring to events that should be celebrated or mourned.

The correct reading is "Keichō"!

"慶弔" is read as "keichō".

When you receive time off from work for weddings or funerals, it’s referred to as "keichō kyūka," and gifts or condolence money are referred to as "keichō hi".

You may find yourself using this term in company procedures or while keeping household accounts.

Easily Misread Kanji ③ Futatsuka

Next is "不束". When I asked 92 women how to read it, less than 30% got it right.

What does "不束" read as, you may wonder. It’s a word that everyone has definitely heard before.

The correct reading is "Futatsuka"!

"不束" is read as "futatsuka," meaning lacking in consideration or being inadequate.

You may have seen scenes in movies or dramas where someone humbly states, "I am a futatsuka person..." during a marriage proposal.

Easily Misread Kanji ④ Tsuzukigara

Next, we have this kanji, "続柄".

It’s a term commonly seen on official documents while registering for marriage or retrieving family registries, etc.

It refers to the relationships of one’s family members, such as parents and spouse.

However, this word has been incorrectly circulated in its reading. You might think, "Isn't it 'zokugara'!?" but that's not correct.

The correct reading is "Tsuzukigara"!

The correct way to read "続柄" is "tsuzukigara".

However, since the reading "zokugara" has spread so widely, some dictionaries note "zokugara" as a colloquial reading.

Easily Misread Kanji ⑤ Oshūgi

Next up is "御祝儀". Although it's essential for weddings, quite a few people misread this kanji.

Since it's a term that's often spoken aloud, it might be embarrassing if you've been reading it wrong!

The correct reading is "Goshūgi"!

"御祝儀" is read as "goshūgi". It is not "oshūgi".

The rule is that for compound words, those that are read as on'yomi (Chinese readings) get the prefix "go," while those that are kun'yomi (Japanese readings) get "o."

Since "祝儀 (shūgi)" is an on'yomi word, the correct prefix is "go."

However, in some regions of Kansai, there are exceptions where people read it as "oshūgi".

Do You Know the Difference in Meaning of These Kanji?

Finally, we'll introduce kanji that are often confused in meaning.

You know that both "伯母" and "叔母" are read as "oba," but can you explain the difference between them?

The correct distinction is based on whether it's an elder or younger sibling!

The correct distinction is:

"伯母" is the sister of one's father,

"叔母" is the sister of one's mother.

Even though both are "oba," the meanings are distinct and clear. The same goes for "伯父" and "叔父."

Be careful to use them correctly in the seating chart at the wedding reception!

We introduced kanji that are easily misread in relation to weddings ♩

How was it? We introduced kanji related to weddings that you might have incorrectly remembered.

Let’s make sure to understand their readings and meanings accurately to aim to be a cultured bride!♡

@mi.wedding.tm