叔母と叔父
Oba to oji
The English phrase "aunt and uncle" is translated into Japanese as 叔母と叔父 (Oba to oji).
This phrase is used to refer to the sister and the brother of one's parent.
Which one should you use?
Japanese uses different kanji depending on whether the relative is older or younger than your parent. The kanji 叔 is used for an aunt or uncle who is younger than one's parent, while the kanji 伯 is used for an aunt (伯母) or uncle (伯父) who is older than one's parent.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle と (to) functions as the conjunction 'and' to connect two nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
Oba to oji
Did you know?
- The terms おばさん and おじさん are often used as polite labels for any middle-aged stranger, regardless of whether they are actually related to you.
- Using おばさん or おじさん toward a stranger can sometimes be seen as offensive if the person does not consider themselves 'middle-aged'.
- A tiny change in pronunciation transforms おじさん 'uncle' into おじいさん 'grandfather' by extending the 'i' sound.
Examples in context
- 叔母と叔父に会いに行きます。Oba to oji ni ai ni ikimasu.I will go to see my aunt and uncle.
- 叔母と叔父は東京に住んでいます。Oba to oji wa Tokyo ni sunde imasu.My aunt and uncle live in Tokyo.
- 叔母と叔父からプレゼントをもらいました。Oba to oji kara purezento o moraimashita.I received a present from my aunt and uncle.
Example conversation
Yui and Yota are talking about family news at a cafe.
- 結衣 Yui陽太くんの叔母と叔父は元気？Yota-kun no oba to oji wa genki?Are your aunt and uncle doing well, Yota?
- 陽太 Yotaはい、二人ともとても元気ですよ。Hai, futari tomo totemo genki desu yo.Yes, they are both very well.
- 結衣 Yuiそれはよかった！Sore wa yokatta!That's good to hear!
- 陽太 Yota結衣さんも、今度会いに来てね。Yui-san mo, kondo ai ni kite ne.Yui, you should come to see them sometime too.
