Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'both parents' is most naturally expressed with the word 両親 (りょうしん). However, depending on context, politeness, and formality, other expressions like 父母 (ふぼ) or 両親とも (りょうしんとも) may be used. When referring to one's own parents in humble contexts, 両親 is standard, while for others' parents, honorific forms are preferred.
Referring to one's own or someone else's mother and father together in a neutral or slightly formal way.
The most common and neutral word for 'both parents'. Can be used for one's own parents or someone else's, though for others, honorifics are often added.
Both of my parents are on a trip.
Both of his parents are doctors.
Emphasizes 'both' parents, often used when stating something applies to both.
Both of my parents are well.
A more formal or written term for 'father and mother', often used in official documents or formal speech. Less common in casual conversation.
Consent from both parents is required.
Humbly referring to one's own parents when speaking to someone outside the family.
Even in humble contexts, 両親 is standard. No special humble prefix is needed, but the overall sentence structure may be humble.
My parents live in the countryside. (humble)
Politely referring to the parents of the listener or a third person.
The honorific form of 両親, used when speaking about someone else's parents respectfully.
Are your parents well?
Stressing that something applies to both parents, often in contrast to one or neither.
Literally 'both parents', using 両方 (both) and 親 (parent). More explicit than 両親, but slightly wordy.
Both of my parents agreed.
Means 'either parent' or 'both parents' in negative or positive sentences. Often used with a negative verb to mean 'neither parent'.
Neither parent opposed it. / Both parents didn't oppose it.
両親 (りょうしん) is the everyday word for 'both parents'. 父母 (ふぼ) is more formal and often appears in legal or official contexts. In casual speech, 両親 is preferred.
When talking about your own parents to others, 両親 is appropriate. You do not need to add 私の (my) if it's clear from context. For extra politeness when referring to someone else's parents, use ご両親.
I met the teacher's parents.