foster father; adoptive father
Refers to a man who raises a child not biologically his own, through fostering or adoption. Contrasts with 実父 (biological father).
See also: 実父
He lost his parents when he was young and was raised by his foster father.
His relationship with his adoptive father is as deep as that of a biological parent and child.
He decided to become that boy's adoptive father.
She was raised by her foster father from a young age.
実父 is one's biological father, while 養父 is a father who raised the child through adoption or fostering rather than birth.
義父 usually means father-in-law (or a stepfather in some contexts), whereas 養父 specifically means a father through legal adoption or fostering.
養父 refers only to the adoptive father, whereas 養父母 covers both adoptive parents together.
counter for people
adoptive parents
Compound of 養 (raise, foster) and 父 (father).