新郎

• Reading: しんろう
• Romaji: shinrou
• Kanji breakdown: 新 (shin) — new; 郎 (rou) — young man, son
• Pronunciation: /ɕiɴ.ɾoː/

Meaning

Bridegroom; groom. A formal term for the man getting married.

A formal noun used in wedding ceremonies and announcements, typically paired with 新婦 (shinpu, bride) as 新郎新婦 (the bride and groom). While 花婿 (hanamuko) is the more casual everyday term, 新郎 is the standard formal term used in wedding speeches, invitations, and official proceedings.

Examples

1. 新郎がタキシード姿で登場した。 The groom made his entrance dressed in a tuxedo.
2. 新郎のスピーチに会場が笑いに包まれた。 The groom's speech had the whole hall laughing.
3. 新郎新婦がケーキカットを行った。 The bride and groom cut the cake together.

Usage Guide

Context: weddings, ceremonies, formal announcements

Tone: celebratory

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 新郎. 新 (shin) means new, and 郎 (rou) means a young man or son. Literally a new young man, referring to the man entering marriage.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal