hustru

Hustru is a Swedish word that translates to "wife" or "spouse" in English. It is a noun and refers to a married woman. The word is commonly used in everyday conversation and in formal contexts within Sweden. It is derived from the Old Norse word "húsfreyja," which literally means "house mistress" or "lady of the house." This etymology reflects the historical role of women in managing a household.

The term "hustru" is generally used to denote a marital relationship where the woman is the wife. While "fru" also translates to "wife" or "Mrs.," "hustru" specifically refers to the marital status of the woman. The masculine equivalent is "make," meaning "husband." In modern Swedish, the use of "hustru" remains prevalent, though terms like "partner" are also increasingly used to refer to a spouse or significant other, regardless of gender or marital status. The word carries no inherently negative or positive connotations and is a neutral descriptor of a woman's marital role.