also: えこ
Only with reading ちょうし
Refers to the firstborn child regardless of gender. Often used in formal or written contexts. Contrasts with 末子 (ばっし, youngest child).
See also: 末子 (ばっし)
Specifically the eldest son. In traditional contexts, the eldest son often holds a special status in family succession. This sense is less common in modern gender-neutral usage.
The eldest son, Taro, took over the family business.
As the eldest child, he has the responsibility to succeed the family.
A special allowance is provided for the first child.
長子 refers to the eldest child, the opposite of 末 used for the youngest child in phrases like 末の息子.
Standard kanji spelling. The reading ちょうし is the modern standard.
Obsolete kana reading; not used in modern Japanese.
Compound of 長 (chō, 'eldest') and 子 (shi, 'child'). The reading えこ is an older, now obsolete, kun'yomi-based reading.