Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of a 'legitimate child' is primarily expressed through legal and familial terms. The most common and neutral term is 嫡出子 (chakushutsushi), used in legal contexts. In everyday conversation, people rarely specify legitimacy; instead, they simply say 子供 (kodomo) or use terms like 実子 (jisshi) for a biological child. This guide covers legal, formal, and colloquial ways to refer to a child born in wedlock.
To refer to a legitimate child in legal, official, or formal contexts, such as family registers, inheritance, or legal documents.
The standard legal term for a child born to married parents. Used in the Civil Code and official documents.
The inheritance shares of legitimate and illegitimate children are now equal.
A slightly more formal or literary term for a legitimate child, often used in historical or legal contexts.
He was born as the legitimate child of the legal wife.
In daily conversation, Japanese speakers rarely specify whether a child is legitimate. Instead, they use general terms for 'child' or 'biological child.'
The most common word for 'child,' used regardless of marital status of parents. No implication of legitimacy.
We have three children.
Means 'biological child,' as opposed to an adopted child. Does not specify marital status but implies a blood relationship.
In historical or traditional contexts, especially regarding succession or family lineage, a child born to the legal wife (as opposed to a concubine) is specified.
Literally 'child of the legal wife.' Used in historical dramas or discussions of pre-modern family systems.
The child of the legal wife succeeded the family headship.
Directly translating 'legitimate child' as 嫡出子 in everyday conversation can sound overly formal or legalistic. In most situations, simply use 子供 (kodomo) or 実子 (jisshi) if you need to specify a biological relationship.
Since 2013, the Japanese Civil Code has been amended to equalize inheritance rights between legitimate and illegitimate children. In modern legal contexts, the distinction is less significant, but the term 嫡出子 is still used in family registration.
彼には実子が二人いる。
He has two biological children.