Translation guide
In Japanese, the term for foster parents depends on the context—whether referring to the legal/caregiving role, the family relationship, or the system. The most common and neutral term is 里親 (satooya).
Referring to adults who are officially fostering a child through the child welfare system.
The standard term for foster parents in the context of the foster care system. It can refer to both foster parents as a couple or an individual foster parent.
彼らは里親として子供を預かっている。
They are taking care of a child as foster parents.
A more specific term for foster parents who provide long-term care with the intention of adoption, though not necessarily legally adopted yet.
養育里親になるには研修が必要です。
Training is required to become foster parents (with intent to adopt).
A polite, friendly way to refer to foster parents, often used by social workers or in community contexts.
里親さんたちの交流会があります。
There is a gathering for foster parents.
Describing someone who acts as a parent to a child not biologically their own, often in a more informal or historical context.
Literally 'parents who raised (the child)'. Used when contrasting with biological parents. Can apply to adoptive parents or anyone who raised the child.
彼女は私の育ての親です。
She is the parent who raised me (not my biological mother).
Can also be used in a broader sense for anyone who takes in and raises a child, not limited to the formal system.
Referring to one foster parent, either mother or father.
Foster mother. Less common; usually 里親 is used regardless of gender.
彼女は里母として多くの子供を育てた。
She raised many children as a foster mother.
Foster father. Similarly rare; 里親 is the default.
彼は里父として地域に貢献している。
He contributes to the community as a foster father.
里親 (satooya) specifically refers to foster parents in the context of the foster care system or taking in a child in need. 育ての親 (sodate no oya) is a broader term for the parents who actually raised a child, which could be biological, adoptive, or foster parents. Use 里親 when the foster care system is involved; use 育ての親 when emphasizing the nurturing role regardless of legal status.
The direct translation 'フォスターペアレンツ' (fosutā pearentsu) is understood but sounds like borrowed English. It is not commonly used in natural Japanese. Stick with 里親.
戦争で親を失った子供の里親になった。
They became foster parents to a child who lost their parents in the war.