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.
私のいとこは東京に住んでいます。
My cousin lives in Tokyo.
いとこと一緒に遊んだ。
I played with my cousin.
When you need to clarify the gender of the cousin
Literally 'male cousin'. Used when you want to specify that the cousin is male.
男のいとこが結婚しました。
My male cousin got married.
Literally 'female cousin'. Used when you want to specify that the cousin is female.
女のいとこは医者です。
My female cousin is a doctor.
When you need to clarify which side of the family the cousin is from
Cousin on the father's side. 父方 means 'father's side'.
父方のいとこに会った。
I met my cousin on my father's side.
Cousin on the mother's side. 母方 means 'mother's side'.
母方のいとこは海外に住んでいます。
My cousin on my mother's side lives abroad.
When age relative to the speaker is relevant
Older cousin. 年上 means 'older'.
年上のいとこが車を買った。
My older cousin bought a car.
Younger cousin. 年下 means 'younger'.
年下のいとこにプレゼントをあげた。
I gave a present to my younger cousin.
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.
太郎くんは私のいとこです。
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.
彼は私のまたいとこです。
He is my second cousin.