養子
Meanings
1
Refers to a legally adopted child, historically often a male heir or a son-in-law adopted into the family to carry on the name. In modern usage, it can refer to any adopted child, but the traditional association with a male heir or son-in-law remains strong.
He was raised as an adopted child.
In the past, it was common to adopt a child to carry on the family line.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉を養子にするto adopt someone as one's child
The couple adopted an orphan as their child.
- 〈人〉の養子になるto become someone's adopted child
He became his uncle's adopted son.
- 養子を取るto take in an adopted child (esp. as an heir)
Childless couples often take in an adopted child as an heir.