義母

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 義母, read ぎぼ, combines a relationship by marriage or remarriage 義 with mother 母.
• Basic usage: 妻の母である義母 means a mother-in-law, while 義母 in a story may mean a stepmother.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Distinguishing meanings
  • The spelling alone does not distinguish the two relationships; context about a spouse or remarriage is required.