Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'blood relative' is expressed through specific terms that distinguish between close and distant relations, as well as formal and casual contexts. Unlike English, Japanese often uses different words for one's own family versus others' families, and the most natural way to refer to blood relatives depends on the social situation.
To refer to a person related by blood, in a general or formal sense.
The standard, neutral term for a blood relative. Suitable for formal and written contexts.
彼は私の血縁者ではありません。
He is not my blood relative.
A legal or formal term for blood relatives, often used in contexts like inheritance or family registry.
血族関係を証明する書類が必要です。
Documents proving blood relationship are required.
Refers to close blood relatives, especially immediate family like parents, siblings, and children. Carries an emotional nuance of deep familial bonds.
肉親の情は何よりも大切です。
The bond between close blood relatives is more important than anything.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'relatives connected by blood.' Used when emphasizing the biological link, often in contrast to relatives by marriage.
血のつながった親族だけが集まった。
Only blood relatives gathered.
To refer to a close blood relative like a parent, child, or sibling, often in everyday conversation.
Commonly used for immediate blood relatives. Note: when referring to one's own family members in conversation, specific kinship terms (e.g., 父, 母, 兄) are more natural.
彼は私の肉親です。
He is my blood relative (immediate family).
In Japanese, it is more natural to specify the exact relationship (e.g., 父 'father', 母 'mother', 兄 'older brother') rather than using a generic term like 'blood relative.' This is especially true when talking about your own family.
To refer to a relative by blood who is not immediate family, such as a cousin or second cousin.
Means 'distant relative' and can include both blood and marriage relations, but often implies blood relation in context.
彼は遠縁の親戚です。
He is a distant relative.
Explicitly states 'distant relative connected by blood.' Useful for clarity.
血のつながった遠い親戚がアメリカに住んでいます。
A distant blood relative lives in America.
To emphasize that someone is a blood relative as opposed to an in-law or step-relative.
Often used in the phrase 血縁関係 (blood relationship) to contrast with 姻戚関係 (relationship by marriage).
血縁関係と姻戚関係は法律上異なります。
Blood relationships and relationships by marriage are legally different.
Literally 'blood connection,' used in casual or emotional contexts to stress biological ties.
血のつながりがなくても、家族です。
Even without a blood connection, we are family.
The English phrase 'blood relative' is often not directly translated in natural Japanese conversation. Instead, Japanese speakers use specific kinship terms (e.g., 父, 母, 兄) or context-dependent expressions. Using 血縁者 in casual speech may sound overly formal or technical.
血縁者 is a formal, legal term for any blood relative, while 肉親 refers specifically to close blood relatives (parents, children, siblings) and carries emotional weight. Use 肉親 when emphasizing deep familial bonds.