Translation guide
In Japanese, referring to one's own child depends heavily on context, formality, and the child's age. Unlike English, there is no single neutral word for 'my child' that works in all situations. The most common approach is to use the child's name or a kinship term appropriate to the setting.
You want to talk about your child in a casual or polite conversation, without specifying gender or age.
In Japanese, parents often refer to their children by name, even when speaking to others. This is natural and avoids the need for a generic term. It works for children of any age in informal and semi-formal contexts.
Taro is at school now.
Hanako had a fever yesterday.
A general word for 'child' that can mean 'my child' when context makes it clear. It is neutral and common, but can sound slightly impersonal or generic. Often used when the child's name is not known to the listener or when speaking generally.
Specifically means 'son'. Use when you want to specify gender. Common in both casual and polite speech.
Specifically means 'daughter'. Use when you want to specify gender. Common in both casual and polite speech.
You need to mention your child in a formal setting, such as a business conversation, official document, or when speaking to someone of higher status.
In formal contexts, '子供' is the standard humble way to refer to your own child. It is neutral and appropriate for most formal situations.
You want to talk about your baby or toddler in a warm, affectionate way.
You want to show respect to the listener by using humble language for your own child.
A humble term for 'my son'. Used in very formal or written contexts, such as letters or speeches. Can sound overly stiff in casual conversation.
There is no single Japanese word that directly corresponds to 'my child' in all contexts. Using '私の子供' (watashi no kodomo) is grammatically correct but can sound overly explanatory or unnatural in many situations. Instead, use the child's name, or choose a term based on formality and gender.
Adding 'うちの' (uchi no) before a kinship term like '子供' (kodomo), '息子' (musuko), or '娘' (musume) makes it clear you mean 'my/our child'. It is common in casual conversation.
My child was in your care. (casual polite)
うちの子供はまだ小さいです。
My child is still young.
I have two children.
My son is a university student.
娘はピアノを習っています。
My daughter is learning piano.
My child is in your care. (formal greeting)
Formal term for 'son'. Use when gender is relevant.
My son will get married next month. (formal announcement)
Formal term for 'daughter'.
My daughter is currently abroad. (formal)
Means 'baby'. Commonly used by parents to refer to their own infant. It carries a sense of endearment.
My baby sleeps a lot.
A somewhat literary or old-fashioned term for a very young child. Rare in everyday speech.
Traveling with a small child is tough.
My son has been greatly indebted to you. (very formal)
Humble term for 'my daughter'. Similar to 愚息, it is very formal and rarely used in daily speech.
Thank you for attending my daughter's wedding. (very formal)
When talking to acquaintances, using the child's name is often more natural than 'musuko' or 'musume'. For example, 'Taro is in first grade' sounds warmer than 'My son is in first grade'. Reserve kinship terms for situations where the child's name is unknown or when formality is required.