Learn Basic words in Japanese related to Families!
Dropping some basic words in Japanese for you guys in the form of this short dialogue. Enjoy!
Table of Contents
Ikki
奥さん (おくさん, okusan)
“Wife”
それで、奥さんにとってゲンゴは何なんだ？
Other vocabulary
- それで (sore de)
- “So,” “And then,” “Because of that”
- にとって (nitotte)
- “For,” “In terms of,” “As far as (someone) is concerned”
- は (wa)
- Topic-marking particle
- 何 (なん・なに, nan / nani)
- “What”
- なんだ (なんだ, nanda)
- This form is used to ask for an explanation.
Gengo
夫 (おっと, otto)
“Husband”
僕は夫だよ。
Other Vocabulary
- 僕 (ぼく, boku)
- “I” (informal, typically used by males)
- は (wa)
- Topic-marking particle
- だよ (da yo)
- Informal emphatic ending, similar to “I am” or “you know”
Ikki
お子さん (おこさん, okosan)
“Child” (polite)
お子さんにとっては？
Other Vocabulary
にとっては (ni totte wa)
“As for” or “In terms of”
Gengo
子供 (こども, kodomo)
“Children”
父 (ちち, chichi)
“Father”
子供にとって父だよ。
Other Vocabulary
- にとって (ni totte)
- “For,” “To,” as in from the perspective of
- だよ (da yo)
- Informal emphatic ending, similar to “I am” or “It is”
Ikki
奥さん (おくさん, okusan)
“Wife” (polite)
子供 (こども, kodomo)
“Children”
そうして、奥さんは子供にとって…
Other Vocabulary
- そうして (soushite)
- “And then,” “thus,” or “in that way”
- は (wa)
- Topic-marking particle
- にとって (ni totte)
- “For,” “To,” as in from the perspective of
Gengo
母 (はは, haha)
“Mother”
母だよ。
Other Vocabulary
だよ (da yo)
Informal emphatic ending, similar to “I am” or “It is”
Ikki
なるほど！
Other Vocabulary
なるほど (naruhodo)
“I see!” or “Ah, I understand!”
Download the Study Set
I’m working on a study set containing basic words in japanese related to Family, including both uchi and soto words. I’ll post it here when available!
Cultural Context
Did you know there are various ways to refer to family members depending on who you’re talking to? For instance, Ikki called Gengo’s wife “okusan” , while Gengo referred to her as “tsuma”.
This has to do with 内 uchi and 外 soto. ‘Uchi’ stands for inside, and ‘soto’ stands for outside; representing the inside-group (close friends and family) and the outside-group (other poeple), respectively.
In this script, tusma, kodomo, otto, chichi, and haha are all inside words. Notice that Gengo is the one saying those, referring to his family. Ikki, on the other hand uses okusan (wife) and okosan (children), referring Gengo’s family. To him, those would be people from the outside-group, and that’s why he chose to use those words.
Understanding the nuances between ‘uchi’ and ‘soto’ is crucial not only for mastering the language but also for appreciating the subtleties of Japanese social interactions. When someone uses ‘uchi’ terms, it often signifies a level of intimacy and trust that is not extended to those outside the inner circle. This linguistic choice can reflect one’s social position or emotional closeness, which in Japanese culture can influence social dynamics significantly. Thus, learning to navigate these terms can provide deeper insights into the relational fabric of Japanese society.
Moreover, these distinctions are pivotal in formal and informal settings. In formal contexts, using ‘soto’ terms can show respect and maintain professional distance, whereas ‘uchi’ terms could be seen as too familiar or even inappropriate. This layered approach to language underscores the importance of context in communication. As learners of Japanese, gaining a grasp on when and how to use these terms appropriately can greatly enhance your linguistic competence and cultural understanding, making your interactions more meaningful and respectful.
For language learners, recognizing and practicing the use of ‘uchi’ and ‘soto’ can be a fascinating part of studying basic words in Japanese. To effectively learn these distinctions, it is helpful to engage with native speakers and observe their language use in different contexts. Watching Japanese films or dramas can also provide insight into how these terms are naturally incorporated into everyday conversation. Additionally, practicing with language exchange partners or tutors can help you understand the subtleties of these expressions, ensuring that you use them accurately and confidently.
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