Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'childcare' depends on whether you mean the act of caring for children, a facility, or the broader social system. The most common word is 育児 (ikuji) for parenting and child-rearing, while 保育 (hoiku) is used for professional childcare and daycare. For facilities, 保育園 (hoikuen) and 託児所 (takujisho) are common.
The general act of raising and caring for one's own children, especially at home.
The standard term for child-rearing and parenting. Covers all aspects of raising a child from infancy.
Literally 'raising children'. More casual and warm than 育児, often used in everyday conversation.
Childcare is tough but fun.
Care provided by professionals in a facility, such as a daycare center or nursery.
Refers to professional childcare, often in a nursery or daycare setting. Used in compound words like 保育園 (nursery school).
Improve the quality of childcare.
I want to become a childcare worker.
Temporary childcare, often for short periods (e.g., while shopping or at an event).
A physical place where children are cared for, such as a nursery or daycare center.
A daycare center or nursery school, typically for children from infancy to preschool age. Often publicly licensed.
I leave my child at a daycare center.
A temporary childcare facility, often found in shopping malls, gyms, or event venues.
Kindergarten, for children aged 3–6. More educational than daycare, but often included in 'childcare' discussions.
Time off work to care for a child.
A person who works professionally in childcare.
育児 (ikuji) refers to parenting and child-rearing by parents, while 保育 (hoiku) refers to professional childcare services. Use 育児 when talking about raising your own child, and 保育 when discussing daycare or nursery services.
Child-rearing is the parents' responsibility.
Receive childcare at a nursery school.
The English loanword チャイルドケア (chairudokea) is not commonly used in Japanese. Stick to the native terms above.
There is a childcare service during the event.
This department store has a childcare center.
My child will start kindergarten next year.
育休はいつまで取れますか？
How long can I take childcare leave?
They used to be called nursery maids.