別居

• Reading: べっきょ
• Romaji: bekkyo
• Kanji breakdown: 別 (betsu) — separate, different, another; 居 (kyo/i) — reside, sit, be present
• Pronunciation: /bekːʲo/

Meaning

Separation; living apart. Living separately from one's spouse or family members.

A noun and suru-verb (intransitive) commonly used in the context of marital separation — living apart while still legally married. In Japanese family law, 別居 is often a precursor to divorce (離婚, rikon). Can also refer to family members living in separate households without the negative connotation, such as adult children living independently. The opposite is 同居 (doukyo, living together).

Examples

1. 夫婦は話し合いの末、別居を決めた。 After much discussion, the couple decided to separate.
2. 別居してからもう半年が経った。 It's already been six months since we started living apart.
3. 仕事の都合で家族と別居している。 I'm living apart from my family because of work.

Usage Guide

Context: family, legal, relationships

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 別 (betsu, separate/different) + 居 (kyo, reside/dwelling). Literally 'separate dwelling' — residing apart from one another.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal