Translation guide
A family meeting or discussion to make decisions together. In Japanese, this is often expressed with specific terms for formal family meetings, or more generally as a family discussion.
A planned, often formal gathering of family members to discuss serious issues, make decisions, or resolve problems.
The most direct translation, used for a formal family meeting to discuss important matters like finances, caregiving, or major life decisions.
We plan to hold a family council this weekend to discuss our father's care.
Refers to a meeting of extended family or relatives, often for formal decisions like inheritance or family business matters.
遺産分割のために親族会議が開かれた。
A family council was held to divide the inheritance.
A casual conversation among family members to coordinate schedules, share news, or make everyday decisions.
A natural way to say 'to discuss as a family' without implying a formal meeting.
夏休みの計画について、家族で話し合った。
We had a family council about our summer vacation plans.
Slightly more formal than 話し合う, but still used for family discussions, sometimes with a nuance of a serious talk.
子供の進路について家族会談をした。
We had a family council about our child's future path.
A meeting facilitated by a counselor or following a specific method to improve family communication or resolve conflicts.
Specifically refers to a family therapy session, which may function as a family council in a clinical setting.
家族療法のセッションで、お互いの気持ちを話し合いました。
In the family therapy session, we discussed each other's feelings.
While 家族会議 is a direct translation, it can sound overly formal for casual family chats. Use 家族で話し合う for everyday discussions. Reserve 家族会議 for planned, serious meetings.