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 decided to become that boy's adoptive father.
He lost his parents when he was young and was raised by his foster father.
養父との関係は実の親子のように深い。
His relationship with his adoptive father is as deep as that of a biological parent and child.
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).