Translation guide
The English word 'family' covers several related concepts: the nuclear family unit, one's relatives, a household, and figurative uses. Japanese uses different words depending on the context, and the choice often reflects social distance (in-group vs. out-group).
Referring to the group of people you live with and are closely related to, typically parents and children.
The most common word for 'family' in the sense of the nuclear family or household. Use this when talking about your own family to others. It implies closeness and shared living.
My family has four members.
Refers to 'family' as a social unit or 'home' environment. Often used in contexts like 'family life', 'family budget', or 'family environment'. Not used to say 'my family' as a group of people.
Referring to the family of the person you are speaking to, or a third person's family, in a respectful way.
The polite form of 家族. Use when asking about or referring to the listener's family or someone else's family. Adding ご shows respect.
Referring to family members beyond the nuclear unit, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.
Referring to a family line, ancestry, or a traditional household (often historical or formal).
Means 'family line' or 'lineage'. Used when talking about ancestry or bloodline.
Referring to a taxonomic rank in biology (e.g., the cat family).
The standard suffix for biological families. Used in scientific names.
Using 'family' metaphorically to describe a group of people who are very close, like a team or community.
Can be used metaphorically, just like in English, to describe a close-knit group.
家族 (かぞく) refers to the people in a family, while 家庭 (かてい) refers to the home environment or the concept of family life. You cannot say 私の家庭は4人です (incorrect). Use 家族 for counting members.
My family has four people.
I live with my family.
家庭の事情で休みます。
I'm taking a day off due to family circumstances.
I want to build a warm family (home).
How is your family?
Say hello to Mr. Yamada's family.
In casual conversation, 家族 can sometimes be used for others' families, but ご家族 is safer and more polite.
How many people are in your family, Tanaka? (casual)
Means 'relatives' or 'extended family'. Use this when talking about family members who do not live with you, such as aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Relatives gather for New Year's.
I went to a relative's wedding.
Similar to 親戚, meaning 'relatives'. Slightly more formal or legalistic. Often used in official contexts.
I will give a speech on behalf of all the relatives.
Refers to one's 'inner circle' of family and close relatives, emphasizing in-group intimacy. Often used when distinguishing between insiders and outsiders.
We held a small ceremony with just close family.
He comes from a family of doctors.
Refers to a 'clan' or extended family group, often with a shared name or history. Can be used for powerful or famous families.
That family has been politicians for generations.
Literally 'house', but can mean 'family' in the sense of a traditional household or lineage, especially in historical or formal contexts. Often implies the family name and social standing.
To succeed the family (headship).
ネコ科の動物
animals of the cat family
The company is like a second family.
A phrase meaning 'like family'. Useful when you want to be explicit about the comparison.
They are like family to me.
My home/family atmosphere is cheerful.
The loanword ファミリー is used in specific contexts like 'family restaurant' (ファミリーレストラン) or 'family car' (ファミリーカー), but it is not a general substitute for 家族. Saying 私のファミリー sounds unnatural in most situations.