Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'cousin' is いとこ, but it's important to note that Japanese does not distinguish between male and female cousins or between paternal and maternal cousins in the basic term. However, there are ways to specify these if needed, and cultural context often makes the relationship clear.
Referring to a cousin without specifying gender or side of the family
The standard, neutral word for 'cousin'. It can refer to any cousin regardless of gender or which parent's sibling is the parent.
My cousin lives in Tokyo.
I played with my cousin.
When you need to clarify the gender of the cousin
When you need to clarify which side of the family the cousin is from
When age relative to the speaker is relevant
In Japanese, it's common to refer to cousins by their name plus an honorific like さん or くん, especially when talking to or about them within the family. Using いとこ can sound a bit distant or formal in casual family conversation.
Taro is my cousin.
Japanese does not have common single words for 'second cousin' or 'once removed'. These relationships are usually described with phrases like またいとこ (for second cousin) or explained in detail. またいとこ is not universally understood and may require clarification.
He is my second cousin.
My cousin on my mother's side lives abroad.