This is chapter ten of our basic Japanese e-book course. We will focus on basic vocabulary related to family and relationships. Learning these words and phrases will not only enrich your vocabulary, but will also help you better understand Japanese culture and communicate more effectively.
In Japanese, there are different words to refer to family members, depending on whether you are talking about your own family to someone else or if you are referring to someone else's family. For example, the word for "father" when referring to one's own father is 'chichi', but when referring to someone else's father, 'otousan' is used.
Here are some basic words you should know:
- Chichi (父) - Father (referring to one's own father)
- Haha (母) - Mother (referring to one's own mother)
- Ani (兄) - Elder brother (referring to own brother)
- Ane (姉) - Elder sister (referring to her own sister)
- Otouto (弟) - Younger brother (referring to own brother)
- Imouto (妹) - Younger sister (referring to her own sister)
When referring to someone else's family, we use the following words:
- Otousan (お父さん) - Father
- Okaasan (お母さん) - Mother
- Oniisan (お兄さん) - Elder brother
- Oneesan (お姉さん) - Big sister
- Otoutosan (弟さん) - Younger brother
- Imoutosan (妹さん) - Younger sister
In addition, there are also words for other family members and relatives, such as 'ojiisan' (grandfather), 'obaasan' (grandmother), 'ojisan' (uncle) and 'obasan' (aunt).
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Moving to the vocabulary of relationships, we have 'tomodachi' (friend), 'koibito' (boyfriend/girlfriend), 'tsukiau' (being in a relationship), 'kekkon suru' (marrying), among others. It is important to note that Japanese culture is quite reserved when it comes to expressing feelings and emotions, so the words for 'I like you' and 'I love you' ('suki desu' and 'aishiteru', respectively) are used very carefully. .
In summary, understanding the basic vocabulary of family and relationships in Japanese is essential for effectively communicating and understanding Japanese culture. We hope this chapter has been helpful and that you continue to learn and deepen your study of the Japanese language.
In the next chapter, we'll explore more basic vocabulary, this time focusing on words and phrases you can use when traveling in Japan. Until then, keep practicing and reviewing what you've learned so far. Ganbatte kudasai! (Good luck!)
