私のおじ
watashi no oji
The English phrase "my uncle" is translated into Japanese as 私のおじ (watashi no oji).
私のおじ is used to refer to the brother of one's father or mother.
Which one should you use?
While おじ is a general term for uncle, Japanese uses specific kanji to denote the uncle's age relative to one's parents: 伯父 is used for an uncle who is older than one's parent and 叔父 is used specifically for an uncle who is younger than one's parent.
How do you pronounce it?
watashi no oji
What mistakes should you avoid?
When referring to someone else's uncle, do not use the neutral おじ. Instead, use the polite form おじさん.
Did you know?
- Calling a stranger ojisan is a common way to address a middle-aged man, even if he is not your uncle. It is similar to calling an older man 'mister' in English, but carries a more specific age connotation.
- While おじ refers to an uncle, the word for 'grandfather' おじいさん is only one long vowel sound away, which can lead to humorous misunderstandings for beginners.
- Japanese kinship terms like おじ historically reflected a strict patriarchal hierarchy where the role and status of the uncle varied based on his lineage.
Examples in context
- 私のおじは犬を飼っている。My uncle keeps a dog.This sentence is useful for describing an uncle's pet.Tatoeba #164253 by bunbuku, translation #250256 by CK
- 向こうに見える人が私のおじです。The man you see over there is my uncle.This sentence is useful for identifying an uncle in a crowd.Tatoeba #173856 by bunbuku, translation #240614 by CK
- 私のおじは大学で英語を教えている。My uncle teaches English in a college.This sentence is useful for describing an uncle's profession.Tatoeba #164247 by bunbuku, translation #250262 by CK
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Himi is showing Kenta a family photograph.
- 陽葵 Himariこの人は私のおじです。Kono hito wa watashi no oji desu.This person is my uncle.
- 健太 Kentaとても優しそうですね。Totemo yasashisō desu ne.He looks very kind.
- 陽葵 Himariはい、私のおじはとても親切です。Hai, watashi no oji wa totemo shinsetsu desu.Yes, my uncle is very kind.
- 健太 Kentaいいおじさんですね。Ii ojisan desu ne.He is a great uncle.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
