Translation guide
In Japanese, the term for stepfather depends on the context—whether you are referring to him directly, talking about him to others, or describing the relationship formally. The most common word is 義父 (gifu), but in daily conversation, family terms like お父さん (otōsan) are often used.
To refer to your stepfather in a neutral or formal context, such as when filling out documents or speaking politely about him.
The standard term for stepfather, used in formal situations or when clarifying the relationship. It can also mean father-in-law, so context is important.
私の義父は医者です。
My stepfather is a doctor.
A more literal term for stepfather, but less common than 義父. It explicitly means 'stepfather' without the father-in-law ambiguity.
継父との関係は良好です。
My relationship with my stepfather is good.
To call your stepfather when speaking to him. Japanese typically uses family terms like 'dad' rather than a specific word for stepfather.
In daily life, stepfathers are usually addressed as お父さん (otōsan) or パパ (papa), just like a biological father. The step-relationship is not emphasized in direct address.
お父さん、ただいま！
Dad, I'm home!
パパ、これ見て！
Daddy, look at this!
To mention your stepfather in casual conversation with friends or acquaintances.
In casual talk, you might say お父さん (otōsan) or 父親 (chichioya) and then clarify the relationship if needed, e.g., '実は義理の父なんだけど' (Actually, he's my stepfather).
うちのお父さん、実は義理の父なんだ。
My dad is actually my stepfather.
A phrase meaning 'father-in-law/stepfather' used when explaining the relationship. More casual than 義父.
義理の父と釣りに行った。
I went fishing with my stepfather.
To indicate 'stepfather' on official forms or in legal contexts.
Means 'adoptive father,' but often used for a stepfather if legally adopted. If not adopted, 義父 is used.
養父の氏名を記入してください。
Please fill in the name of your adoptive father.
Used on forms when the stepfather is not an adoptive parent. Often seen in family registers.
義父との続柄は「義父」です。
The relationship to stepfather is 'gifu'.
Never address your stepfather as 義父さん (gifu-san) or 継父さん (keifu-san). These sound cold and distant. Use お父さん or his name instead.
義父 (gifu) is the most common and can mean both stepfather and father-in-law. 継父 (keifu) specifically means stepfather but is rarely used in speech. 養父 (yōfu) means adoptive father and is used when the stepfather has legally adopted the child.