別姓

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 別姓 is read as べっせい and is a noun for people having or retaining different surnames.
• Basic usage: Use 別姓を希望する for a preference and 母と子が別姓だ to state that the surnames differ.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Contrast with 同姓
  • 別姓 means having different surnames, while 同姓 means sharing the same surname.
• Not a statement about the relationship
  • Different surnames do not deny a family relationship; the word identifies only the difference in family names.