双子
futago[ɸɯ̟ta̠ɡo̞]
The Japanese word for twin is 双子 (futago).
双子 refers to either of two people who shared the same uterus, or of two similar or closely related objects.
Meaning: either of two people who shared the same uterus, or of two similar or closely related objects (noun)
Which one should you use?
同卵双生児 is a formal term for identical twins used in scientific or medical contexts, and 異卵双生児 is a formal term for fraternal twins used in scientific or medical contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
futago
Did you know?
- In Japanese folklore, twins were historically viewed with superstition and sometimes seen as an omen of instability or bad luck.
- In anime and manga, twins are often identified by giving them names that share a common kanji or a matching theme to emphasize their 双子 status.
- The word 双子 incorporates a phonetic change called 'rendaku', where the 'k' sound in 子 changes to a 'g' sound to make it easier to pronounce.
Examples in context
- 私は双子です。I'm a twin.This sentence is useful for saying that you are a twin using 双子.Tatoeba #2252498 by tommy_san, translation #2247899 by CK
- 彼女は双子です。She is a twin.This sentence is useful for saying that she is a twin using 双子.Tatoeba #88195 by bunbuku, translation #315511 by CK
- トムは双子ではない。Tom isn't a twin.This sentence is useful for saying that Tom is not a twin using 双子.Tatoeba #8966090 by Ninja, translation #8962536 by CK
- 私の姉は双子です。My older sister is a twin.
- 私の友達は同卵双生児です。My friend is an identical twin.
- 27 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A boy and a girl are looking at a photo album.
- 陽葵 Himariこの双子はとても可愛いです。Kono futago wa totemo kawaii desu.These twins are very cute.
- 健太 Kenta本当ですね。陽葵さんは双子ですか？Hontō desu ne. Himari-san wa futago desu ka?They really are. Himari, are you a twin?
- 陽葵 Himariいいえ、私は一人っ子です。Iie, watashi wa hitorikko desu.No, I am an only child.
- 健太 Kentaそうなんですね。僕は双子です。Sō nan desu ne. Boku wa futago desu.I see. I am a twin.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “twin” translations and entries 双子, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 双子, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
