Seven-year itch
Meaning: The idea that after seven years of marriage, couples become restless and tempted to cheat or leave.
The seven-year itch is a popular belief that relationships hit a critical danger point around the seventh year, when boredom, routine, and the desire for novelty peak. While not scientifically proven, divorce statistics do show a common split around years 5–8 of marriage. The concept is deeply embedded in American marriage culture.
Examples
- They split up after eight years. Classic seven-year itch. 他们结婚八年就分手了。典型的七年之痒。Se separaron después de ocho años. La clásica crisis de los siete años.8年目で別れたんだ。典型的な7年目の浮気だね。8년 만에 헤어졌어. 전형적인 7년 차 위기지.
- I'm worried about the seven-year itch. We need to keep things exciting. 我担心七年之痒。我们得让生活保持新鲜感才行。Me preocupa la crisis de los siete años. Tenemos que mantener la chispa.7年目の浮気が心配だ。もっと刺激的なことをしないと。7년 차 위기가 걱정돼. 좀 더 새로운 걸 해야 해.
- The seven-year itch is a myth — if you put in the work, your marriage stays strong. 七年之痒是个伪命题——只要你用心经营,婚姻就能保持稳固。La crisis de los siete años es un mito — si te esfuerzas, tu matrimonio se mantiene fuerte.7年目の浮気は都市伝説だよ — ちゃんと努力すれば結婚生活は続く。7년 차 위기는 미신이야 — 제대로 노력하면 결혼 생활은 튼튼하게 유지돼.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: marriage, relationship longevity, pop culture
Tone: cautionary, humorous
✓ Do Say
- We survived the seven-year itch!我们挺过了七年之痒!¡Sobrevivimos a la crisis de los siete años!7年目の浮気を乗り越えたよ!우리는 7년 차 위기를 잘 넘겼어!
- The seven-year itch is just a movie concept.七年之痒只是个电影概念而已。La crisis de los siete años es solo un concepto de película.7年目の浮気は映画のコンセプトにすぎない。7년 차 위기는 그냥 영화에서 나온 개념이야.
✗ Don't Say
- Don't bring up the seven-year itch to a couple approaching their anniversary — it plants doubt不要在一对快过结婚纪念日的夫妻面前提七年之痒——会让人心生疑虑No menciones la crisis de los siete años a una pareja que se acerca a su aniversario — les siembras la duda結婚記念日が近いカップルに7年目の浮気の話を持ち出さないこと — 不安の種を植えることになる결혼기념일이 다가오는 부부에게 7년 차 위기를 언급하지 말 것 — 의심을 심어주게 된다
Origin & History
The phrase was popularized by the 1955 Marilyn Monroe film 'The Seven Year Itch,' where a married man fantasizes about his attractive neighbor. The concept entered American cultural consciousness and became a standard reference in marriage discussions.
Cultural Context
Era: 1955 (cemented)
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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