How to Say Relatives in Japanese

Learning how to say and address relatives in Japanese is not only useful for basic conversation, but it also helps you understand Japanese culture and society better. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to refer to relatives in Japanese, focusing on the most common terms. While there may be some regional variations, we will primarily cover the standard terms used throughout Japan. So, let’s dive into the world of Japanese relatives!

Formal Ways to Address Relatives

When speaking formally or in a respectful manner, the Japanese language offers specific terms to address various family members. Let’s take a look:

• Otōsan – Father: This term combines the honorific prefix “o” with “chichi” (father). It is a formal and respectful way to refer to your own father or someone else’s father.
• Okaasan – Mother: Similar to the term for father, “okaasan” combines the honorific prefix “o” with “haha” (mother). Use this term in formal situations or when addressing someone else’s mother.
• Onīsan – Older Brother: This term is used to address one’s older brother respectfully. It is worth mentioning that Japanese people often use given names rather than familial terms to address family members in relaxed, casual settings.
• Oneesan – Older Sister: Similarly, “oneesan” is the formal way to address one’s older sister. However, in less formal situations, using the person’s given name without an honorific is more common.
• Otosan no otōtō / Okāsan no imōto – Younger Brother/Sister: These terms specifically indicate “father’s younger son” and “mother’s younger daughter” respectively. They are used formally, but using the person’s name is also acceptable.
• Ojiisan – Grandfather: To address your own or someone else’s grandfather formally, use “ojiisan.” It shows respect and politeness.
• Obaasan – Grandmother: In a formal context, “obaasan” is the appropriate term for addressing one’s own or someone else’s grandmother.

Informal Ways to Address Relatives

Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on respectful communication, but in informal settings, familial terms are often replaced by given names or nicknames. Here are some informal ways to address relatives:

• Tōsan / Chichi – Father: These terms are less formal and can be used in casual conversations to address your own father or when referring to someone else’s father. It’s similar to saying “Dad” or “Pop” in English.
• Kāsan / Haha – Mother: Similarly, “kāsan” or “haha” are commonly used to address one’s own mother or someone else’s mother in a casual setting.
• Aniki – Older Brother: In an informal context, “aniki” is frequently used to address an older brother. This term implies closeness and familiarity.
• Onēchan – Older Sister: When speaking casually, “onēchan” is commonly used to refer to an older sister. It reflects a friendly and intimate relationship.
• Otouto / Imōto – Younger Brother/Sister: In informal situations, these terms replace the more formal “otosan no otōtō” and “okāsan no imōto.” They can be used between siblings or close friends.
• Jiisan – Grandfather: In a relaxed setting, it is common to use “jiisan” to address your own or someone else’s grandfather.
• Baasan – Grandmother: Similarly, “baasan” is the informal way to address your own or someone else’s grandmother.

Additional Tips and Examples

Here are some additional tips and examples to help you better understand how to say relatives in Japanese:

Tip 1: When addressing someone else’s relatives, always attach the appropriate honorific prefix “o” or “go” before the familial term, especially in formal situations.

For example:

• ご両親 (Goryōshin) – Parents
• お兄さん/お姉さん (Onīsan/Oneesan) – Older Brother/Sister

Tip 2: Japanese people often use the word “famikon” (short for “family name”) followed by the person’s given name to address family members in a casual setting.

For example:

• マサキのお父さん (Masaki no otōsan) – Masaki’s father
• リンのおばあさん (Rin no baasan) – Rin’s grandmother

Tip 3: Remember that regional variations might exist for certain familial terms, especially in dialects. However, the terms mentioned in this guide are widely understood and used throughout Japan.