Translation guide
The English word 'children' can refer to one's own kids, kids in general, or be used in compound terms. Japanese has different words depending on the relationship and formality.
Referring to your own sons and daughters, especially in family contexts.
The most common and neutral word for 'child' or 'children'. Can be used for your own children or children in general.
I have two children.
The children are playing in the park.
Often written with the hiragana ども to soften the nuance, especially in contexts like education or child-rearing. Same meaning as 子供.
We had a baby.
A shorter, more literary or formal way to say 'child'. Often used in compound words or set phrases.
Parents and children can participate together.
Specifically 'son'. Use when you need to specify gender.
My son is a college student.
Specifically 'daughter'.
My daughter is learning piano.
Talking about kids as a group, such as in society, at a school, or in a public place.
Works for both specific and general children. Plural is often implied without たち.
This park is popular with children.
Same as above, often used in written materials about child welfare or education.
Formal term for 'children', often used in legal, educational, or administrative contexts (e.g., elementary school children).
Referring to your own children in formal situations or when speaking to someone of higher status.
Even in formal settings, 子ども is acceptable. However, to be more humble, you can use 息子/娘.
Thank you for taking care of my child.
Humble way to refer to your son when talking to outsiders.
Humble way to refer to your daughter.
Referring to the children of someone you respect or don't know well.
Polite way to say 'your/their child'. The honorific お makes it respectful.
How old is your child?
Even more polite, often used in service contexts (restaurants, hotels) to refer to customers' children.
Polite for 'your/their son'.
Your son is excellent.
Polite for 'your/their daughter'.
Both mean 'child/children'. 子供 is the standard kanji form. 子ども is often used in contexts like education or child psychology to avoid the nuance of 'small' (小) and emphasize the child as a person. In everyday writing, either is fine.
Japanese nouns don't change for plural. 子供 can mean 'child' or 'children' depending on context. To explicitly indicate multiple children, you can add たち (子供たち), but it's often omitted when context is clear.
If you need to specify the gender of a child, use 男の子 (boy) or 女の子 (girl) for young children, or 息子 (son) / 娘 (daughter) for one's own children or when the relationship is clear.
I have two children, a boy and a girl.
Children under 12 are free.
Protect children's rights.
application for child allowance
My son is still a student. (very polite)
娘がいつもお世話になっております。
My daughter is always in your care.
お子様ランチ
children's meal (on a menu)
娘さんはお美しいですね。
Your daughter is beautiful.