better half

Etymology
Ultimately from such poetic phrases as  ( writing about  ), when it instead referred to a close friend (compare ). First written instance of it meaning “spouse” was in 1580 by.

Noun

 * 1) A person's spouse or lover, most commonly a man's wife.
 * 2)  A very close friend or companion.
 * 1)  A very close friend or companion.
 * 1)  A very close friend or companion.
 * 1)  A very close friend or companion.

Usage notes

 * Generally jocular, but may be complimentary or as a sign of respect.

Translations

 * Czech:
 * Danish: bedre halvdel
 * Dutch: betere helft
 * Finnish:
 * French: douce moitié, meilleure moitié,
 * German: bessere Hälfte
 * Hungarian: jobbik fél
 * Norwegian:
 * Bokmål:
 * Polish:
 * Portuguese: cara-metade,
 * Russian: дража́йшая полови́на,
 * Spanish: media naranja
 * Swedish:
 * Thai:
 * Urdu: شَرِیکِ سَفْر