Translation guide
A man who raises a child that is not his biological offspring, often in a formal or informal caregiving role.
Referring to a man who is legally recognized as a foster parent, typically in a child welfare system.
General term for foster parent; can refer to either a foster father or foster mother. Often used in legal and social welfare contexts.
彼は里親として多くの子供を育てた。
He raised many children as a foster parent.
Specifically means 'foster father' or 'adoptive father'. More formal and less common in everyday speech; often used in legal documents or formal writing.
養父は彼に教育の機会を与えた。
His foster father gave him educational opportunities.
Literally 'parent who raised (the child)'. Emphasizes the nurturing role rather than legal status. Can be used for foster fathers, but also for anyone who raised a child.
育ての親として、彼は深い愛情を注いだ。
As the father who raised him, he poured deep affection into him.
Describing a man who acts as a father figure without formal legal status, often in a family or community setting.
Means 'substitute father' or 'acting as a father'. Commonly used for a man who takes on a fatherly role without being the biological or legal father.
叔父が父親代わりになってくれた。
My uncle acted as a father figure for me.
Specifically 'father who raised (the child)'. Similar to 育ての親 but explicitly male. Used in personal narratives.
彼は私の育ての父です。
He is the father who raised me.
Referring to a man who is married to the child's biological mother but is not the biological father, often in everyday family contexts.
Standard term for 'stepfather'. Used in both formal and informal settings, though it may carry a slightly legal tone.
継父と私は釣りに行った。
My stepfather and I went fishing.
Can mean 'father-in-law' or 'stepfather'. Context clarifies the meaning. In blended families, it's often used for stepfather, but be aware of ambiguity.
Can also mean 'father-in-law'. Use context to disambiguate.
里親 (satōya) is the general term for foster parent in the child welfare system. 養父 (yōfu) specifically means foster/adoptive father and is more formal. 育ての親 (sodate no oya) emphasizes the nurturing role and can be used for any caregiver, not necessarily legal.
彼は里親制度を通じて子供を引き取った。
He took in a child through the foster care system.
養父としての責任を果たす。
Fulfill one's duties as a foster father.
育ての親に感謝している。
I am grateful to the parent who raised me.
The direct translation 'フォスター・ファーザー' (foster father in katakana) is not commonly used in Japanese. Use the terms above depending on context.
彼は3人の子供の里親になった。
He became a foster father to three children.
育ての父が自転車の乗り方を教えてくれた。
My foster father taught me how to ride a bike.
育ての親に感謝している。
I am grateful to the parent who raised me.
The direct translation 'フォスター・ファーザー' (foster father in katakana) is not commonly used in Japanese. Use the terms above depending on context.
My stepfather treated me like his own child.