“Family” in Japanese: Learn about family-related vocabulary in Japanese

For Japanese learners and those new to the language, understanding how to refer to family members is essential. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to say “family” in Japanese, identify various family members, and appreciate the cultural significance of this term in Japan.

• What is “Family” Called in Japanese?
• Japanese terms for family members
• Expressions Related to Family
• The Importance of Family in Japanese Culture
• Learn More Vocabulary About Family and Friends
• Practice and Learn

What is “Family” Called?

In Japanese, the word for “family” is 家族 (かぞく, kazoku). This term encompasses the nuclear family and can extend to include extended family members depending on the context.

Japanese terms for family members

Here’s a table of common family members in Japanese:

Related expressions

In addition to knowing the individual family members, it’s helpful to learn some common expressions:

• My family: 私の家族 (わたしのかぞく, watashi no kazoku)
• Your family: あなたの家族 (あなたのかぞく, anata no kazoku)
• Family gathering: 家族の集まり (かぞくのあつまり, kazoku no atsumari)
• Family home: 実家 (じっか, jikka)
• Family member: 家族の一員 (かぞくのいちいん, kazoku no ichiin)

The Importance of Family in Japanese Culture

This term holds a significant place in Japanese culture. The concept of “家族主義” (かぞくしゅぎ, kazokushugi), or “family-centrism,” emphasizes the importance of family loyalty, respect for elders, and the collective over the individual. In traditional Japanese families, multiple generations often live together under one roof, and filial piety (孝, kou) is a deeply valued principle. Respecting and taking care of one’s parents and grandparents is seen as a moral duty.

Learn More Vocabulary About Family and Friends in Japanese

Expanding your vocabulary beyond immediate family members can be beneficial for deeper social interactions. Here are additional terms related to extended family and friends:

Extended Family Members

• Uncle: 叔父 (おじ, oji)
• Aunt: 叔母 (おば, oba)
• Cousin: いとこ (いとこ, itoko)
• Nephew: 甥 (おい, oi)
• Niece: 姪 (めい, mei)

Friends and Relationships

• Friend: 友達 (ともだち, tomodachi)
• Best friend: 親友 (しんゆう, shinyuu)
• Acquaintance: 知り合い (しりあい, shiriai)
• Boyfriend: 彼氏 (かれし, kareshi)
• Girlfriend: 彼女 (かのじょ, kanojo)

Phrases for Talking About Family and Friends

• Do you have siblings?: 兄弟はいますか？ (きょうだいはいますか, Kyoudai wa imasu ka?)
• How many people are in your family?: ご家族は何人ですか？ (ごかぞくはなんにんですか, Gokazoku wa nan nin desu ka?)
• This is my friend.: こちらは私の友達です。 (こちらはわたしのともだちです, kochira wa watashi no tomodachi desu.)

Practice and Learn

To get comfortable with these terms and expressions, incorporate them into your daily practice. Here are some tips:

• Flashcards: Use flashcards to memorize the vocabulary.
• Daily Conversations: Practice using these words in daily conversations or role-playing scenarios.
• Listening Practice: Listen to Japanese media, such as TV shows and movies, to hear how native speakers talk about their families.
• Writing Practice: Write about your own home and relatives in Japanese to improve your writing skills and vocabulary retention.

Example Sentences

Talking about family:

• 私の家族は5人です。 (わたしのかぞくはごにんです, Watashi no kazoku wa go nin desu.) – “There are five people in my family.”
• 兄が二人います。 (あにがふたりいます, Ani ga futari imasu.) – “I have two older brothers.”

Introducing family members:

• こちらは私の母です。 (こちらはわたしのははです, Kochira wa watashi no haha desu.) – “This is my mother.”
• 彼は私の弟です。 (かれはわたしのおとうとです, Kare wa watashi no otouto desu.) – “He is my younger brother.”

By learning these terms and practicing regularly, you’ll gain a better understanding of Japanese family dynamics and improve your ability to communicate in Japanese. This not only enhances your language skills but also deepens your appreciation of Japanese culture.