Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'blood relationship' depends on context. The most common way is to use 血縁 (けつえん) in formal or written contexts, or 血のつながり (ちのつながり) in everyday speech. For legal or family register contexts, 血族 (けつぞく) is used. Note that Japanese often prefers specific kinship terms over abstract phrases.
To refer to a biological connection between family members in a general sense.
The standard term for blood relationship, used in formal, written, or legal contexts. Can be used in compounds like 血縁関係 (blood relation).
I have no blood relationship with him.
A more colloquial and warm expression meaning 'blood connection'. Often used in everyday conversation to emphasize familial bonds.
Even without a blood relationship, we are family.
Refers to blood relatives, especially in legal or family register contexts. Often used in contrast to 姻族 (in-laws).
Please explain the difference between blood relatives and relatives by marriage.
A verbal phrase meaning 'to be related by blood'. Used in casual conversation.
We are related by blood.
To clarify that someone is a biological relative, not adopted or a step-relation.
Prefix meaning 'biological' or 'real'. Used with kinship terms like 実の親 (biological parent), 実の兄弟 (biological sibling).
He is not my biological father.
Specifically means 'birth' (as in birth mother/father). Used in 生みの親 (birth parent) or 生みの母 (birth mother).
I am looking for my birth mother.
Literally 'shared blood', a poetic or emphatic way to say blood-related. Often used in phrases like 血を分けた兄弟 (blood brothers).
To discuss blood relationship in legal documents, family registers (koseki), or inheritance matters.
In many situations, Japanese speakers prefer to use specific kinship terms (e.g., 兄, 妹, 親子) rather than abstract phrases like 'blood relationship'. For example, instead of saying 'We have a blood relationship,' you might say 'We are siblings' (私たちは兄弟です).
The direct translation '血の関係' is not commonly used and may sound unnatural. Stick to 血縁 or 血のつながり.
They are as close as blood brothers.
Formal compound meaning 'blood relationship'. Used in official documents or discussions.
Documents proving blood relationship are required.