里親
Meanings
1
Refers to a person who takes in and raises a child who is not their biological offspring, often through a formal foster care arrangement. Compare 里子 (foster child).
See also: 里子
They are raising three children as foster parents.
2
pet caretaker; pet foster parent
Used for people who temporarily care for pets, especially in rescue or shelter contexts, until a permanent home is found.
We are looking for foster homes for rescued dogs.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉の里親になるto become someone's foster parent
They decided to become the foster parents of that child.
- 里親を探すto look for a foster parent
The animal shelter is looking for a foster parent for the rescued dog.
- 里親に出すto place a child with a foster parent
Due to certain circumstances, the child had to be placed with a foster parent.
- 里親を募集するto recruit foster parents (for a pet)
The rescue group is recruiting foster parents for the kittens.