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.
両親は旅行に行っています。
Both of my parents are on a trip.
彼の両親は医者です。
Both of his parents are doctors.
Emphasizes 'both' parents, often used when stating something applies to both.
両親とも元気です。
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.
父母の承諾が必要です。
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.
私の両親は田舎に住んでおります。
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.
ご両親はお元気ですか。
Are your parents well?
先生のご両親にお会いしました。
I met the teacher's parents.
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.
両方の親が賛成してくれた。
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'.
どちらの親も反対しなかった。
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.