我が子
wagako
The English phrase "my child" is translated into Japanese as 我が子 (wagako).
The term 我が子 is used by a parent to refer to their own child, often conveying a sense of deep affection or pride. In different contexts, other phrases like Watashi no kodomo can also mean "my child". Additionally, if you want to refer to a child named Yuki fondly, you can use the names Yuki-chan for a girl or Yuki-kun for a boy.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 我が子 is composed of waga (my/our) and ko (child).
Which one should you use?
While 我が子 is poetic and formal, the phrase うちの子 is the standard, natural way to say "my child" in everyday spoken conversation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
我が子 carries a literary or slightly formal tone and is often used in writing, speeches or when expressing deep, profound emotion. For a more informal approach, you can use うちの子.
How do you pronounce it?
wagako
Did you know?
- Japanese has a specific term 親バカ ('oyabaka'), which literally means 'parent fool', used to describe a parent who is overly proud of their 我が子.
- The word うち in the common phrase うちの子 literally means 'house' or 'inside', treating the family as a physical space the child belongs to.
- In Japanese, when talking to others about your own child, you almost never use their name with a respectful honorific like -san, as this would be seen as showing too much respect to your own family.
Examples in context
- 我が子は私の宝物です。Wagako wa watashi no takaramono desu.My child is my treasure.
- 我が子の成長が楽しみです。Wagako no seichou ga tanoshimi desu.I look forward to my child's growth.
- 我が子を全力で応援します。Wagako o zenryoku de ouen shimasu.I will support my child with all my might.
Example conversation
A father and mother are talking about their child's school achievement.
- 陽葵 Himari陽葵ちゃん、テストで満点だったわよ！Himari-chan, tesuto de manten datta wa yo!Himari got a perfect score on the test!
- 健太 Kentaそれはすごいな。我が子は本当に賢いね。Sore wa sugoi na. Wagako wa hontou ni kashikoi ne.That's amazing. My child is truly clever.
- 陽葵 Himariあなたに似て努力家なのね。Anata ni nite doryokuka nano ne.She is a hard worker, just like you.
- 健太 Kentaこれからも応援してあげよう。Kore kara mo ouen shite ageyou.Let's keep supporting her.
