家内

• Reading: かない
• Romaji: kanai
• Kanji breakdown: 家 (ka/ie) — house, home; 内 (nai/uchi) — inside, within
• Pronunciation: /ka.na.i/

Meaning

One's own wife (humble). A humble term used by a man to refer to his own wife when speaking to others.

A humble (謙譲語, kenjōgo) term for referring to one's own wife in conversation with others. More traditional than 妻 (tsuma), which is now the more common neutral term. Considered somewhat old-fashioned by younger generations. Should not be used to refer to someone else's wife — use 奥さん (okusan) instead.

Examples

1. 家内は今、買い物に出かけています。 My wife is out shopping right now.
2. 家内が作った料理をどうぞ。 Please help yourself to the food my wife made.
3. 家内と一緒に旅行に行きました。 I went on a trip with my wife.

Usage Guide

Context: business, polite conversation, introductions

Tone: humble

Origin & History

Compound of 家 (ka/ie, house/home) and 内 (nai/uchi, inside/within). Literally means 'inside the house,' reflecting the historical expectation that wives managed the household.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Middle-aged and older

Social background: Universal