In Japanese culture, family holds great importance, and having the vocabulary to talk about family members and relatives is essential for communication. In this blog post, we will explore common Japanese words for discussing family relationships. Let’s dive into the world of Japanese family vocabulary!
- Immediate Family:
- Kazoku (家族) – Family
- Chichi (父) – Father
- Haha (母) – Mother
- Musuko (息子) – Son
- Musume (娘) – Daughter
- Kyōdai (兄弟) – Siblings
- Ani (兄) – Older brother
- Otōto (弟) – Younger brother
- Ane (姉) – Older sister
- Imōto (妹) – Younger sister
- Extended Family:
- Ojisan (おじさん) – Uncle or middle-aged man
- Obasan (おばさん) – Aunt or middle-aged woman
- Jiichan (じいちゃん) – Grandfather
- Baachan (ばあちゃん) – Grandmother
- Itoko (いとこ) – Cousin
- Oji (叔父) – Uncle (father’s younger brother)
- Obā (叔母) – Aunt (father’s younger brother’s wife)
- Goryōnin (ご両親) – Parents (formal term)
- In-Laws and Extended Family Relationships:
- Shujin (主人) – Husband
- Tsuma (妻) – Wife
- Muko (婿) – Son-in-law or groom
- Yome (嫁) – Daughter-in-law or bride
- Shūtomei (姻戚名) – In-laws
- Giri no nai kasanari (義理のない重なり) – In-laws without blood relation
- Fujin (夫人) – Mrs. or Madam
- Ryōshin (両親) – Parents (informal term)
- Tōsō (盗走) – Elopement or running away
- Shihon (婚姻) – Marriage or matrimony
- Terms for Children:
- Ko (子) – Child
- Koibito (恋人) – Boyfriend or girlfriend
- Chigo (地獄) – Hell (informal term)
- Koyama (小山) – Small mountain
- Kodomo (子供) – Child
- Koguma (小熊) – Bear cub
- Koiki (小さな) – Small or little
- Koizumi (小泉) – Small spring
- Kosode (小袖) – Short-sleeved kimono
- Kozue (梢) – Treetop
- Terms for Relatives:
- Ojiisan (おじいさん) – Grandfather (informal term)
- Obāsan (おばあさん) – Grandmother (informal term)
- Tōsan (祖父) – Grandfather (formal term)
- Sobo (祖母) – Grandmother (formal term)
- Shinsei (親戚) – Relatives
- Issei (一声) – First voice or firstborn
- Meikun (明君) – Wise ruler
- Tsuisō (追想) – Reminiscence or recollection
- Shushi (衆司) – Multitude or masses
- Kanshi (観覧) – Attendance or observation
Conclusion: With these Japanese words for family members and relatives, you’ll be able to discuss and describe your family relationships with ease. Whether you’re talking about immediate family, extended family, in-laws, or children, incorporating these vocabulary words into your conversations will enable you to express the complexity and importance of family in Japanese culture. So, cherish your family connections, celebrate the bonds you share, and embrace the language of family in your everyday conversations!
