家内
かない
hepburn kanai
wife (own, humble)
Part of speech · noun
Pattern visualization
Examples
- 家内は今出かけています。My wife is out at the moment.
- 家内によろしくお伝えします。I'll pass your regards to my wife.
Collocations
家内 (kanai, my wife — old humble)妻 (tsuma, my wife — modern neutral)嫁 (yome, my wife — casual or daughter-in-law)家内安全 (kanai anzen, household safety)内助 (naijo, wifely assistance)
Mnemonic
家内 kanai — "my wife", older humble term (standard mid-20th century). Literally "inside the house" — same spatial metaphor as 奥さん (the inner quarters). Considered dated and gendered today; younger speakers prefer the neutral 妻 (tsuma). Survives in speakers 60+ and in temple amulets 家内安全 (kanai anzen, "household safety") — same kanji.
Quick check
Among 家内 / 奥さん / 妻 / 嫁 — most modern neutral?