作品Free Graded Reading
恐妻家庭円満術How to Have a Happy Home with a Scary Wife
Kyōsai Katei Enman Jutsu
by 小野 佐世男 · Ono Saseo
A hilarious tale of domestic life: getting punched by his wife and mother on the wedding night.
About this text
About this textA humorous essay about a newlywed husband's comical interactions with his strong-willed wife.
Read a sample in Japanese
Read a sample in JapaneseWhat you'll learn
What you'll learnThe narrator describes being hit by his wife on the third day of marriage after staying out late, with his mother encouraging the wife. He reflects on how this event fostered a good relationship between wife and mother, and muses on the concepts of fear, respect, care, and honesty in marriage.
Key vocabulary
Key vocabulary| 女房 (にょうぼう) | wife (old-fashioned, humble term) |
|---|---|
| なぐる | to hit, to strike |
| 虚栄心 (きょえいしん) | vanity |
| いたわり | care, compassion, sympathy |
| 恐妻 (きょうさい) | fear of one's wife |
Grammar points you'll meet
Grammar points you'll meet- ～わけにいかない N4Cannot afford to do; must notこれは仇やおろそかにするわけにいかないとボクは思っている。
- ～いきなり N3Suddenly, all of a suddenいきなり横っ面をポカッとなぐられた。
- ～しまつだ N1End up (in a negative situation)しょうがなくて義理の兄貴のところに行って頼んで帰ったような始末でしたが、
- ～につきまとう N2To haunt, to cling toそれがボクにはいまだにつきまとっていて恐いんです。
Cultural notes
Cultural notes- Marriage Dynamics in Traditional JapanThe essay reflects traditional Japanese marital roles: the husband works outside, the wife manages the home. The narrator emphasizes respect and fear (恐妻) as forms of love. Also, the mother-in-law's siding with the wife is highlighted as key to harmony.
- Fugu (Pufferfish) as a DelicacyFugu is a prized but potentially poisonous fish in Japanese cuisine. The wife offers to eat fugu even though the narrator had agreed to avoid it before marriage, showing her care and understanding.
Try a comprehension question
Try a comprehension questionWhy did the narrator's wife hit him on the third day of marriage?
- He forgot their anniversary.
- He came home late after drinking with friends.
- He spent too much money on fugu.
- He lied about being in danger.
Sensei's reading tip
Sensei's reading tipPay attention to the colloquial first-person pronoun 'ボク' which sets a casual, personal tone.
Topics & grammar
Topics & grammar
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