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A2 noun #4,000 am häufigsten 11 Min. Lesezeit

いとこ

itoko Top 4,000

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Erklärung いとこ in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners should recognize 'いとこ' as a basic family member word. You use it in simple introductions like 'This is my cousin' or 'I have a cousin.' You don't need to worry about the complex kanji yet; just focus on the sound 'itoko' and its meaning as a child of your aunt or uncle. You might use it when talking about who you play with or who lives in a different city. It is a fundamental part of the 'Family' vocabulary set used to describe your personal life to others in very basic Japanese sentences.

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At the A2 level, you begin to use 'いとこ' in more descriptive sentences. You might talk about what your cousin does for a living, where they go to school, or when you last met them. You start to understand that in Japanese, you don't usually use honorifics like '-san' for your own cousin when talking to strangers, but you would use it for someone else's cousin. You can also use the plural form 'いとこたち' (itoko-tachi) to talk about several cousins at once. This level involves using 'itoko' with basic particles like 'to' (with), 'no' (possession), and 'ni' (to/at).

By B1, you should be comfortable using 'いとこ' in complex sentence structures, such as relative clauses ('The cousin who lives in Tokyo is a doctor'). You are aware that there are different kanji for 'itoko' and can recognize them even if you don't always write them. You can discuss family events like weddings or funerals where cousins are present. You also begin to understand the cultural context, such as the fact that cousins often gather during New Year's or O-bon. You can compare yourself to your cousins using comparative grammar like 'itoko yori' (more than my cousin).

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At the B2 level, you understand the nuances of 'uchi-soto' (in-group/out-group) dynamics regarding 'itoko.' You can switch your level of politeness appropriately when discussing your cousin in professional versus casual settings. You are familiar with related terms like 'hatoko' (second cousin) and 'shinrui' (relatives). You can read texts that use specific kanji like 従兄弟 or 従姉妹 and understand the age and gender implications. You can also discuss more abstract concepts, such as family inheritance or the changing nature of the Japanese family structure, involving 'itoko' as a point of reference.

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At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the historical and legal aspects of the word 'itoko.' This includes knowledge of 'itoko-kon' (cousin marriage) in Japanese history and law. You can use 'itoko' in formal, academic, or literary contexts. You are sensitive to the subtle emotional weight the word might carry in literature, such as representing a bridge between childhood innocence and adult family responsibilities. You can navigate complex family trees described in Japanese and use the correct formal terminology for every branch of the family.

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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'いとこ' is near-native. You understand archaic or highly formal variations of the term found in classical literature or legal codes. You can discuss the etymology of the word and its evolution within the Japanese language. You are able to interpret the sociological implications of the 'itoko' relationship in modern Japanese society, including demographic shifts and their impact on extended family networks. You can use the word and its variants with perfect precision in any register, from the most casual slang to the most formal legal discourse.

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Itoko means 'cousin' (child of an aunt or uncle).
It is gender-neutral in speech but specific in kanji.
Used commonly during family reunions and holidays.
First cousins are legally allowed to marry in Japan.

The Japanese word いとこ (itoko) refers to a cousin—the child of one's aunt or uncle. In the Japanese linguistic landscape, family terms are often more granular than in English, yet 'itoko' serves as the primary umbrella term for this specific genealogical relationship. While the spoken word remains 'itoko,' the written form can change significantly depending on the age and gender of the cousin relative to the speaker. This nuance reflects the broader Japanese cultural emphasis on hierarchy and seniority within the family structure.

Basic Definition: A cousin; specifically, the son or daughter of one's parent's sibling. It is a neutral term used in everyday conversation to describe extended family members of the same generation.

私のいとこは北海道に住んでいます。(Watashi no itoko wa Hokkaido ni sunde imasu.)

Translation: My cousin lives in Hokkaido.

In Japanese society, the concept of 'itoko' is deeply tied to the traditional 'Ie' (household) system. Although the modern nuclear family is more common now, cousins often play a significant role during major holidays. For instance, during O-bon (the festival of the dead) or O-shogatsu (New Year), extended families gather, and 'itoko' are often the primary playmates for children, bridging the gap between siblings and distant relatives. This relationship is characterized by a blend of familiarity and the slight formality expected within extended kin groups.

Hierarchy Matters: Even though they are all 'itoko,' Japanese culture distinguishes between those older than you and those younger than you. This affects how you might address them in a family setting, often using titles like 'Oniisan' (older brother) or 'Oneesan' (older sister) even if they are technically cousins, to show respect for their age.

法事で久しぶりにいとこたちに会った。(Houji de hisashiburi ni itoko-tachi ni atta.)

Translation: I met my cousins for the first time in a while at a Buddhist memorial service.

Understanding 'itoko' also requires understanding the boundaries of the 'uchi' (inside) and 'soto' (outside) groups. A cousin is definitely 'uchi' compared to a stranger, but might be slightly 'soto' compared to immediate siblings. This positioning influences the level of politeness (keigo) used when talking about them to others. When speaking to a boss about your cousin, you would use humble language, but when speaking to your mother about that same cousin, you would use casual language.

Legal Context: In Japan, it is legally permissible to marry your 'itoko' (first cousin). This is a notable difference from many Western cultures where such unions might be socially taboo or legally restricted. While it is less common today than in the past, it remains a recognized possibility in the Japanese family legal framework.

Using いとこ in a sentence is relatively straightforward, but the context determines whether you use the plural form or specific markers. Unlike English, where 'cousins' is mandatory for multiple people, Japanese often leaves the number ambiguous unless 'tachi' (plural marker) is added for emphasis. Mastery of this word involves knowing how to place it within the 'A wa B desu' structure and how to modify it with possessive particles.

Possession and Relation: The particle 'no' (の) is essential. 'Watashi no itoko' (My cousin) is the standard way to introduce the relationship. In casual speech, 'watashi no' is often dropped if it's clear from context who you are talking about.

彼は私のいとこです。(Kare wa watashi no itoko desu.)

Translation: He is my cousin.

When describing the attributes or actions of a cousin, 'itoko' acts as a standard noun. You can use it with verbs like 'kuru' (to come), 'asobu' (to play), or 'au' (to meet). Because cousins are often seen as peers, the sentences often revolve around shared activities or comparisons of life stages (graduation, marriage, etc.).

来週、いとこの結婚式があります。(Raishuu, itoko no kekkonshiki ga arimasu.)

Translation: There is my cousin's wedding next week.

Using Plurals: To specify multiple cousins, use 'itoko-tachi'. This is common when talking about a group of relatives from the same side of the family. 'Itoko-doshi' is another useful term, meaning 'between cousins' or 'among cousins'.

In more complex sentences, 'itoko' can be part of a relative clause. For example, 'Tokyo ni sunde iru itoko' (The cousin who lives in Tokyo). This is a vital pattern for distinguishing between multiple cousins in a large family. Japanese learners should practice identifying the cousin by their location, occupation, or age to improve their descriptive capabilities.

アメリカに留学しているいとこから手紙が届いた。(Amerika ni ryuugaku shite iru itoko kara tegami ga todoita.)

Translation: A letter arrived from my cousin who is studying abroad in America.

Comparison Sentences: Cousins are often the subject of comparison in Japanese families. 'Itoko no hou ga se ga takai' (My cousin is taller). Using 'itoko' in these comparative structures is a great way to practice the 'A no hou ga B yori...' pattern.

いとこと私は同い年です。(Itoko to watashi wa onaidoshi desu.)

Translation: My cousin and I are the same age.

You will encounter いとこ in various real-life scenarios, from casual dinner conversations to formal family gatherings. Because family is a cornerstone of Japanese social identity, knowing how to identify and discuss cousins is essential for any learner living in or interacting with Japan. One of the most common places to hear it is during the two major holiday seasons: New Year (O-shogatsu) and the mid-summer O-bon festival.

Family Reunions: During these times, Japanese people return to their hometowns (kikoku). You'll hear adults asking, 'Itoko no ○○-chan wa genki?' (Is your cousin ○○ doing well?). It serves as a social lubricant to catch up on extended family news.

お正月にいとこ同士で集まってゲームをした。(Oshougatsu ni itoko-doushi de atsumatte geemu o shita.)

Translation: On New Year's, us cousins gathered together and played games.

In Japanese media, such as anime, manga, and dramas, 'itoko' relationships are frequently used to create dynamic character interactions. Sometimes a cousin is a rival, a childhood friend, or a secret love interest. You'll hear characters use 'itoko' to explain their proximity to another character when introduced to someone new. For example, 'Kore, itoko no Kenji' (This is my cousin, Kenji).

Weddings and Funerals: These formal events are where the 'itoko' network is most visible. You'll hear the term used in seating charts, introductions, and speeches. In these settings, the kanji forms (従兄弟, etc.) are almost always used in printed materials to maintain the appropriate level of formality.

披露宴には、たくさんのいとこが出席してくれた。(Hirouen ni wa, takusan no itoko ga shusseki shite kureta.)

Translation: Many cousins attended the wedding reception.

In professional settings, you might hear 'itoko' if someone is explaining a personal emergency or family obligation. 'Itoko no kyuubyou de...' (Because of my cousin's sudden illness...). While Japanese work culture is often separate from family life, the 'itoko' relationship is recognized as a valid reason for certain social or family-related absences.

Conversational Gossip: Cousins are often the subject of 'sekenbanashi' (small talk). 'Itoko ga saikin kaisha o yameta rashii yo' (I heard my cousin quit their job recently). It’s a safe, relatable topic that doesn't feel too private but allows for sharing life updates.

While 'itoko' seems simple, English speakers often make mistakes related to hierarchy, gender-specific kanji, and confusing it with other family terms. Japanese is a language where the *relationship* to the speaker determines the word choice, and 'itoko' is no exception. One major pitfall is assuming that the word 'itoko' covers all the nuances that 'cousin' does in English without accounting for the written complexities.

Mistake 1: Confusing Kanji: Using the wrong kanji for 'itoko' in writing is a common error. If you write 従兄 (older male cousin) for a younger female cousin, it is technically incorrect and can be confusing. When in doubt, stick to hiragana (いとこ).

❌ 妹の従兄 (Incorrect use of 'older brother' kanji for a younger relation)

Another frequent mistake is confusing 'itoko' with 'kyoudai' (siblings) or 'shinrui' (relatives). While cousins are part of your 'shinrui,' they are not your 'kyoudai.' In some English dialects, people might call a close cousin a 'brother' or 'sister,' but in Japanese, these boundaries are strictly maintained unless speaking metaphorically.

Mistake 2: Overusing Honorifics for Your Own Cousin: When talking to an outsider (like a teacher or boss) about your own cousin, you should not say 'itoko-san.' This violates the 'uchi-soto' rule. You should use the plain 'itoko.' 'Itoko-san' is only for referring to someone else's cousin.

Learners also struggle with the plural form. In English, you must say 'cousins' for more than one. In Japanese, if you say 'Itoko ga san-nin imasu' (I have three cousins), the 'itoko' part doesn't change. Adding '-tachi' is common but not always necessary. Learners often try to pluralize it in ways that sound unnatural in Japanese.

Mistake 3: Pitch Accent Errors: Pronouncing 'itoko' with a high-low-low (Atamadaka) accent can make it hard to understand or sound like a different word in some dialects. It should be a steady, flat tone. Practicing the 'Heiban' pitch is crucial for sounding natural.

❌ イトコ (Stress on the first syllable)

Finally, don't confuse 'itoko' with 'hatoko' (second cousin). While the words sound similar, the relationship is more distant. Using 'itoko' for a second cousin is technically wrong, though in very casual speech, some people might not care. However, for clear communication, knowing the difference is important.

To truly master the vocabulary surrounding extended family, it's helpful to compare いとこ with its linguistic neighbors. Japanese has a rich vocabulary for describing family ties, ranging from the very specific to the broadly general. Depending on the level of closeness or the specific branch of the family tree, other words might be more appropriate than 'itoko'.

いとこ vs. はとこ (Hatoko): While 'itoko' is your first cousin (parent's sibling's child), 'hatoko' is your second cousin (parent's cousin's child). In Japan, 'hatoko' are often seen as quite distant, and many people may not even know their 'hatoko' well.

彼は私のはとこですが、一度も会ったことがありません。(Kare wa watashi no hatoko desu ga, ichido mo atta koto ga arimasen.)

Translation: He is my second cousin, but I have never met him.

Another important term is 親戚 (shinrui), which means 'relatives' or 'kin' in a general sense. While every 'itoko' is a 'shinrui,' not every 'shinrui' is an 'itoko.' If you are talking about a group of people that includes cousins, aunts, and uncles, 'shinrui' is the better word to use. It encompasses the entire extended family network.

Specific Kanji Comparisons

従兄 (itoko): Older male cousin.
従弟 (itoko): Younger male cousin.
従姉 (itoko): Older female cousin.
従妹 (itoko): Younger female cousin.

These are all read as 'itoko,' but the kanji provides visual information about the person's identity.

For even more distant relations, you might hear 遠縁 (toobuchi), which means 'distant relative.' If you aren't exactly sure how you are related to someone but know they are in the family tree, 'toobuchi' is a safe and useful word. It avoids the specificity of 'itoko' while still acknowledging the blood or marriage connection.

いとこ vs. 兄弟 (Kyoudai): In some cultures, cousins are treated like siblings. In Japanese, while they may be close, they are linguistically distinct. 'Kyoudai' refers strictly to siblings. However, in very close-knit families, you might hear a cousin referred to as 'Oniisan' or 'Oneesan,' but they would still be identified as 'itoko' when explaining the relationship to others.

親戚の集まりでいとこと再会した。(Shinrui no atsumari de itoko to saikai shita.)

Translation: I reunited with my cousin at a gathering of relatives.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

In ancient Japan, the distinction between siblings and cousins was sometimes blurred in terminology depending on the social rank and household structure. The current specific meaning was solidified during the Heian period.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /i.to.ko/

US /i.toʊ.koʊ/

Heiban (Flat) - The pitch starts low on the first syllable and rises, staying high for the rest of the word.

Reimt sich auf

Otoko (Man) Choko (Chocolate/Small cup) Soko (There) Doko (Where) Hoko (Spear) Moko (Fluffy) Yoko (Side) Koko (Here)

Häufige Fehler

Stressing the first syllable (Atamadaka).
Lengthening the final 'o' (Itokoo).
Pronouncing 'to' like 'too'.
Pronouncing 'i' like 'eye'.
Dropping the final 'o' sound.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

Hiragana is easy, but the four different kanji variations can be tricky for beginners.

Schreiben 3/5

Writing the complex kanji like 従兄弟 requires practice.

Sprechen 1/5

The pronunciation is simple and flat.

Hören 1/5

Easily distinguishable in conversation.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

家族 (Family) おじ (Uncle) おば (Aunt) お父さん (Father) お母さん (Mother)

Als Nächstes lernen

親戚 (Relative) はとこ (Second cousin) 姪 (Niece) 甥 (Nephew) 孫 (Grandchild)

Fortgeschritten

戸籍 (Family register) 傍系 (Collateral line) 三親等 (Third degree of kinship) 遺産 (Inheritance)

Wichtige Grammatik

Counting People with -nin

いとこが三人います。(I have three cousins.)

Relative Clauses

大阪に住んでいるいとこ。(The cousin who lives in Osaka.)

The particle 'to' for 'with'

いとこと遊びます。(I play with my cousin.)

The particle 'no' for possession

いとこの名前。(My cousin's name.)

Comparison with 'yori'

いとこより背が高い。(Taller than my cousin.)

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Beispiele nach Niveau

わたしのいとこです。

This is my cousin.

Basic 'A wa B desu' structure. Possession 'watashi no' is implied.

いとこは五さいです。

My cousin is five years old.

Using the 'wa' particle to state a fact about the subject.

いとこがいます。

I have a cousin.

Using 'imasu' to show the existence of a person.

いとことあそびます。

I play with my cousin.

The particle 'to' means 'with' in this context.

いとこはアメリカにいます。

My cousin is in America.

Using 'ni imasu' to indicate location.

いとこのなまえはケンです。

My cousin's name is Ken.

Using 'no' to show possession (cousin's name).

いとこは学生です。

My cousin is a student.

Simple noun-desu sentence.

いとこに会います。

I will meet my cousin.

The particle 'ni' is used with the verb 'au' (to meet).

いとこは東京に住んでいます。

My cousin lives in Tokyo.

Using 'te-iru' form to show a continuous state (living).

いとこと一緒に映画を見ました。

I watched a movie together with my cousin.

Using 'issho ni' to mean 'together'.

いとこは背が高いです。

My cousin is tall.

Simple adjective description.

いとこからプレゼントをもらいました。

I received a present from my cousin.

Using 'kara' to mean 'from' and 'morau' to mean 'receive'.

いとこは料理が上手です。

My cousin is good at cooking.

Using 'ga jouzu desu' to express skill.

いとこに手紙を書きました。

I wrote a letter to my cousin.

The particle 'ni' indicates the recipient of the action.

私のいとこは三人います。

I have three cousins.

Using counter 'san-nin' for people.

いとこはまだ子供です。

My cousin is still a child.

Using 'mada' to mean 'still'.

北海道に住んでいるいとこが遊びに来ました。

My cousin who lives in Hokkaido came to visit.

Relative clause: 'Hokkaido ni sunde iru' modifies 'itoko'.

いとこの結婚式に出席するために大阪へ行きます。

I am going to Osaka to attend my cousin's wedding.

Using 'tame ni' to express purpose.

子供のころ、よくいとこと川で泳ぎました。

When I was a child, I often swam in the river with my cousin.

Using 'kodomo no koro' for 'when I was a child'.

いとこは私より二歳年上です。

My cousin is two years older than me.

Comparative structure using 'yori'.

来月、いとこに赤ちゃんが生まれる予定です。

My cousin is scheduled to have a baby next month.

Using 'yotei desu' to express a plan or schedule.

いとこはピアノがとても上手で、コンクールで優勝しました。

My cousin is very good at the piano and won first prize in a competition.

Connecting two sentences with the 'te' form.

久しぶりに会ったいとこは、見違えるほど大人になっていた。

The cousin I met for the first time in a while had become so adult I hardly recognized them.

Using 'michigaeru hodo' to mean 'to the extent of not recognizing'.

いとこと相談して、祖父母へのプレゼントを決めました。

I consulted with my cousin and decided on a present for our grandparents.

Using 'soudan shite' to mean 'after consulting'.

いとこが医者になったと聞いて、家族みんなが喜びました。

Everyone in the family was happy to hear that my cousin became a doctor.

Using 'to kiite' to mean 'hearing that...'.

親戚の集まりでは、いつもいとこと将来について語り合います。

At family gatherings, I always talk with my cousin about the future.

Using 'katariau' (to talk together/exchange views).

いとこは海外で働いているので、めったに会うことができません。

Since my cousin works abroad, I can rarely meet them.

Using 'metta ni...nai' to mean 'rarely'.

法事で集まった際、いとこたちと昔の思い出話に花が咲いた。

When we gathered for the memorial service, the conversation with my cousins about old memories really took off.

Idiom 'hana ga saku' (to bloom/be lively) used for conversation.

いとこの一人は、現在京都で伝統工芸の修行をしています。

One of my cousins is currently apprenticing in traditional crafts in Kyoto.

Using 'itoko no hitori' to mean 'one of the cousins'.

都会育ちのいとこにとって、田舎の生活は新鮮だったようです。

It seems that for my cousin who grew up in the city, country life was a fresh experience.

Using 'ni totte' to mean 'for [someone]'.

いとことの付き合いは、親同士が仲が良いこともあって続いています。

My relationship with my cousin continues partly because our parents are close.

Using 'koto mo atte' to indicate one of several reasons.

いとこは自分の夢を追いかけるために、安定した仕事を辞める決心をした。

My cousin decided to quit their stable job to pursue their dream.

Using 'tame ni' for purpose and 'kesshin o shita' for 'made a decision'.

従兄弟同士での遺産相続は、時に複雑な問題を引き起こすことがある。

Inheritance among cousins can sometimes cause complex issues.

Formal term '従兄弟' (itoko) used in a legal/serious context.

彼は従姉の影響で、幼い頃から古典文学に親しんできた。

Influenced by his older female cousin, he has been familiar with classical literature since childhood.

Specific kanji '従姉' (older female cousin) used.

いとこが起業した会社は、今や業界でも注目される存在となっている。

The company my cousin started has now become a noteworthy presence in the industry.

Using 'sonzai to natte iru' to mean 'has become a [certain] presence'.

疎遠になっていたいとこから突然連絡があり、戸惑いを隠せなかった。

I couldn't hide my confusion when a cousin I had become estranged from suddenly contacted me.

Using 'soen' (estranged) and 'todouai o kasenai' (couldn't hide confusion).

従兄の結婚披露宴で親族が一堂に会し、家系の絆を再確認した。

The relatives gathered together at my older male cousin's wedding reception, reaffirming the family bonds.

Formal phrase 'ichidou ni kai suru' (to gather in one place).

いとことの何気ない会話の中に、自分のルーツを探るヒントが隠されていた。

Within a casual conversation with my cousin, hints for exploring my roots were hidden.

Using 'nanigenai' (casual/unintentional).

従弟が海外の難関大学に合格したという知らせは、親族一同を驚かせた。

The news that my younger male cousin passed the entrance exam for a prestigious overseas university surprised all the relatives.

Specific kanji '従弟' (younger male cousin) used.

いとこ同士は、兄弟とも友人とも違う、独特の距離感を持っているものだ。

Cousins have a unique sense of distance that is different from both siblings and friends.

Using 'mono da' to express a general truth or characteristic.

近親婚が一般的であった時代、従兄弟同士の婚姻は家系の純潔を保つ手段でもあった。

In an era when consanguineous marriage was common, marriage between cousins was also a means of maintaining family purity.

Academic discussion of 'kinshinkon' (consanguineous marriage).

小説の主人公は、亡き従妹への思慕を胸に、彼女の故郷を訪ねる旅に出た。

The protagonist of the novel set out on a journey to visit his late younger female cousin's hometown, carrying his longing for her in his heart.

Literary use of '従妹' (younger female cousin) and 'shibo' (longing/affection).

従兄弟関係というものは、血縁の濃淡と個人の親疎が複雑に絡み合う領域である。

The cousin relationship is a realm where the density of blood ties and individual closeness/estrangement are complexly intertwined.

Highly abstract/sociological phrasing.

系譜学的な観点から見れば、従兄弟は共通の祖父母を持つ最も近い傍系親族である。

From a genealogical perspective, cousins are the closest collateral relatives who share common grandparents.

Technical terminology like 'keifugaku' (genealogy) and 'bokei shinzoku' (collateral relative).

従兄の急逝は、一族の事業継承において予期せぬ波紋を広げることとなった。

The sudden death of the older male cousin created unexpected ripples in the family's business succession.

Formal term 'kyuusei' (sudden death) and 'hamon o hirogeru' (to create ripples).

いとこ同士が競い合うようにして家業を盛り立てたという逸話が、この地には残っている。

An anecdote remains in this region that cousins competed with each other to boost the family business.

Using 'itsuwa' (anecdote) and 'moritate' (to boost/support).

民俗学において、従兄弟同士の互助関係は共同体の維持に不可欠な要素とされる。

In folklore studies, the mutual aid relationship between cousins is considered an essential element for maintaining the community.

Academic phrasing 'minzokugaku' (folklore studies) and 'gojo kankei' (mutual aid).

従姉妹との再会は、忘却の彼方にあった幼少期の記憶を鮮やかに呼び覚ました。

The reunion with his female cousins vividly awakened childhood memories that had been beyond oblivion.

Literary phrasing 'boukyaku no kanata' (beyond oblivion).

Häufige Kollokationen

いとこに会う

いとこと遊ぶ

いとこの結婚式

いとこ同士

遠いいとこ

いとこが生まれる

いとこの家

いとこの子供

いとこと相談する

いとこに似ている

Häufige Phrasen

いとこがいる

— To have a cousin. Used to state existence.

私にはいとこが五人います。

いとこのお兄さん

— An older male cousin. Adding 'oniisan' adds respect.

いとこのお兄さんに勉強を教わった。

いとこのお姉さん

— An older female cousin. Adding 'oneesan' adds respect.

いとこのお姉さんは結婚しています。

いとこ違い

— A first cousin once removed. A child of your cousin.

彼はいとこ違いにあたります。

いとこ同士の結婚

— Cousin marriage. A legal concept in Japan.

日本ではいとこ同士の結婚が認められている。

いとこの集まり

— A gathering of cousins.

週末はいとこの集まりがあります。

いとこからの便り

— News or a letter from a cousin.

海外のいとこから便りが届いた。

いとこへの贈り物

— A gift for a cousin.

いとこへの贈り物を選んでいます。

いとことの再会

— Reunion with a cousin.

十年ぶりのいとことの再会。

いとこを紹介する

— To introduce a cousin.

友達にいとこを紹介した。

Wird oft verwechselt mit

いとこ vs はとこ (Hatoko)

Hatoko is a second cousin, whereas itoko is a first cousin. They sound similar but represent different distances.

いとこ vs 兄弟 (Kyoudai)

Kyoudai means siblings. While cousins are like siblings in some cultures, in Japanese they are strictly separated.

いとこ vs 親戚 (Shinrui)

Shinrui is the general word for all relatives. Itoko is a specific type of shinrui.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"いとこ煮 (Itoko-ni)"

— A traditional Japanese vegetable stew, typically made with pumpkin and adzuki beans. The name comes from cooking ingredients 'separately' (like cousins) rather than together like siblings.

お正月にいとこ煮を食べた。

Culinary

"いとこ同士は鴨の味 (Itoko-doushi wa kamo no aji)"

— Literally 'Cousins taste like duck.' An old saying suggesting that the relationship between cousins can be very sweet or intimate (sometimes implying romance).

彼らは仲が良すぎて、まさにいとこ同士は鴨の味だ。

Old-fashioned/Literary

"従兄弟の提灯 (Itoko no chouchin)"

— Refers to things that are similar but slightly different, like two lanterns of the same style.

その二つの計画は従兄弟の提灯のようなものだ。

Rare/Archaic

"いとこ半纏 (Itoko-hanten)"

— Refers to people who are very similar in appearance or character, like wearing the same type of traditional coat.

あの二人は性格がいとこ半纏だ。

Rare/Dialectal

"いとこ婚 (Itoko-kon)"

— Cousin marriage. While not an idiom in the figurative sense, it's a specific social term.

いとこ婚は歴史的に珍しくなかった。

Sociological

"いとこ枕 (Itoko-makura)"

— Sharing a pillow with a cousin, implying a very close, often childhood, relationship.

いとこ枕で育った仲だ。

Literary

"いとこ付き合い (Itoko-tsukiai)"

— Socializing specifically with cousins.

いとこ付き合いを大切にする。

Neutral

"いとこっ子 (Itoko-ko)"

— A child who is very close to their cousins, almost like a sibling.

彼女はいとこっ子として育った。

Colloquial

"いとこ合わせ (Itoko-awase)"

— Matching or comparing cousins, often done by grandparents.

おばあちゃんがいとこ合わせを始めた。

Casual

"いとこの七光り (Itoko no nanahikari)"

— A play on 'oya no nanahikari' (benefiting from a parent's influence), meaning benefiting from a cousin's fame.

彼はいとこの七光りで役をもらった。

Sarcastic

Leicht verwechselbar

いとこ vs 従兄 (Itoko)

Looks like 'older brother' kanji.

It means an older male cousin, not an older brother.

従兄の結婚式に行きました。

いとこ vs 従弟 (Itoko)

Looks like 'younger brother' kanji.

It means a younger male cousin.

従弟と一緒にゲームをした。

いとこ vs 従姉 (Itoko)

Looks like 'older sister' kanji.

It means an older female cousin.

従姉は看護師です。

いとこ vs 従妹 (Itoko)

Looks like 'younger sister' kanji.

It means a younger female cousin.

従妹はまだ小学生です。

いとこ vs 再従兄弟 (Hatoko)

The kanji is complex and includes 'itoko'.

This is the formal kanji for 'hatoko' (second cousin).

再従兄弟とは疎遠です。

Satzmuster

[Person] wa watashi no itoko desu.

ケンさんは私のいとこです。

Itoko wa [Place] ni sunde imasu.

いとこはロンドンに住んでいます。

[Verb-te iru] itoko ga imasu.

大学に通っているいとこがいます。

Itoko to issho ni [Verb-masu].

いとこと一緒にご飯を食べます。

Itoko ni yoru to, [Clause].

いとこによると、おばあちゃんは元気だそうです。

Itoko no okage de [Clause].

いとこのおかげで、いい仕事が見つかった。

Itoko to wa ie, [Clause].

いとことはいえ、何年も会っていない。

Itoko kankei ni oite [Noun] wa fukaketsu da.

いとこ関係において信頼は不可欠だ。

Wortfamilie

Substantive

いとこ (Cousin)

はとこ (Second cousin)

親戚 (Relative)

親族 (Kin)

従兄弟 (Cousins - general/male)

従姉妹 (Female cousins)

Verben

いとこ付き合いする (To socialize with cousins)

Verwandt

おじ (Uncle)

おば (Aunt)

祖父母 (Grandparents)

兄弟 (Siblings)

姪 (Niece)

甥 (Nephew)

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frequency

Common in daily life and family contexts.

Häufige Fehler

Using 'itoko-san' for your own cousin when talking to a boss. → いとこ (Itoko)
You should use humble/plain forms for your own family when speaking to outsiders.
Writing 従兄 for a female cousin. → 従姉 or 従妹
The second kanji determines the gender (兄 is male, 姉/妹 is female).
Confusing 'itoko' with 'kyoudai'. → いとこ (Cousin)
Kyoudai is only for siblings. Cousins are a different branch of the family.
Pronouncing it as 'I-to-ko' with a falling pitch. → I-to-ko (Flat pitch)
The pitch should stay level after the initial rise.
Using 'itoko' to mean all relatives. → 親戚 (Shinrui)
Itoko is specific. Shinrui is for the whole group.

Tipps

Use Hiragana First

If you are a beginner, always write 'いとこ' in hiragana. It is always correct and saves you from choosing the wrong kanji.

New Year Cards

Mentioning your 'itoko' in Nengajo (New Year cards) is a great way to maintain family ties without needing to visit every year.

Uchi-Soto Rule

Never use '-san' for your own cousin when talking to people outside your family. It makes you sound like you are being too polite to your own family member.

Pitch Accent

Listen for the flat tone. If the pitch drops, it might be a different word or a regional dialect.

Learn 'Hatoko'

Learning 'hatoko' (second cousin) alongside 'itoko' helps you understand the 'ko' suffix in family terms.

Kanji Meaning

The '従' in the kanji means 'to follow' or 'subordinate,' indicating they follow the main sibling line.

Adding Honorifics

Even if someone is your cousin, if they are much older, address them as 'Oniisan' or 'Oneesan' to show respect.

Ambiguity

Japanese people often leave out the subject. If someone says 'Itoko ga kuru,' they mean 'My cousin is coming,' not 'A cousin is coming.'

Eat-to-ko

Think of EATing TOgether with a COusin.

JLPT N4/N5

This word frequently appears in the listening and reading sections of the JLPT. Make sure you know the hiragana.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Imagine your cousin is 'EATING (i) TOFU (to) with KOREAN (ko) sauce.' I-TO-KO.

Visuelle Assoziation

Visualize a family tree where the branches for 'Uncle' and 'Aunt' lead down to a person holding a sign that says 'I am your ITOKO.'

Word Web

Family Aunt Uncle Grandparents Reunion New Year Shinrui Kyoudai

Herausforderung

Try to list all your cousins' names in Japanese using the phrase '[Name]-san wa watashi no itoko desu'.

Wortherkunft

The word 'itoko' originates from Old Japanese. It is believed to be a combination of 'ito' (very/extremely) and 'koshi' (lovely/dear), originally used to refer to any dear relative of the same generation.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: A dear or lovely relative of the same generation.

Japonic

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful not to assume all 'itoko' are close; in urban Japan, many people are now estranged from their extended families.

In English, 'cousin' is often used loosely for distant relatives, whereas in Japanese, 'itoko' is strictly first cousins.

The relationship between characters in the anime 'Lucky Star'. The legal plot points in many Japanese 'Taiga' dramas regarding inheritance. The song 'Itoko' by various J-pop artists exploring childhood nostalgia.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Family Reunion

いとこたちは元気？
久しぶりにいとこに会う。
いとこ全員が集まった。
いとことお酒を飲む。

Introducing Someone

こちらはいとこのケンです。
私のいとこを紹介します。
彼はいとこなんです。
いとこのお姉さんです。

Childhood Memories

いとことよく遊んだ。
いとこの家にお泊まりした。
いとこと喧嘩した。
いとこと川に行った。

Wedding Planning

いとこを結婚式に呼ぶ。
いとこの席はどこ？
いとこに余興を頼む。
いとこからお祝いをもらう。

Inheritance/Legal

いとこに相続権はある？
いとこと土地を分ける。
いとこが保証人になる。
従兄弟間のトラブル。

Gesprächseinstiege

"いとこは何人いますか？ (How many cousins do you have?)"

"いとこと仲が良いですか？ (Are you close with your cousins?)"

"一番年上のいとこは何歳ですか？ (How old is your oldest cousin?)"

"いとこはどこに住んでいますか？ (Where do your cousins live?)"

"最近、いとこに会いましたか？ (Have you met your cousins recently?)"

Tagebuch-Impulse

子供の頃、いとことどんな遊びをしましたか？ (What kind of games did you play with your cousins as a child?)

あなたにとって理想的な「いとこ」との関係は何ですか？ (What is an ideal relationship with a cousin to you?)

いとこの結婚式に参加した時の思い出を書いてください。 (Write about a memory from attending a cousin's wedding.)

自分といとこを比べて、似ているところと違うところを書いてください。 (Compare yourself to a cousin and write about similarities and differences.)

もし、いとこと一緒にビジネスをするとしたら、何をしたいですか？ (If you were to start a business with a cousin, what would you want to do?)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Technically no. You should use 'hatoko' or 'mata-itoko' for a second cousin. Using 'itoko' might lead someone to believe they are a child of your direct aunt or uncle.

In speech, you just say 'itoko.' If you need to specify gender, you can say 'onna no itoko' or use the kanji '従姉' (older) or '従妹' (younger) in writing.

Yes, it is legally allowed in Japan. While it is not as common as it used to be, it is culturally accepted and happens occasionally.

Yes, when referring to your own cousin. If referring to your boss's cousin, you must say 'itoko-san' or 'go-shinzoku' (relative).

いとこ is the phonetic reading (hiragana). 従兄弟 is the kanji form. They mean the same thing, but the kanji is more formal and specific to males or a mix of genders.

You can add '-tachi' to get 'itoko-tachi,' or use a counter like 'san-nin no itoko' (three cousins).

Usually, no. A cousin-in-law would be 'itoko no haishousha' (cousin's spouse).

Japanese culture traditionally places high importance on age and gender within the family hierarchy. The different kanji allow readers to know the exact relationship immediately.

No, 'itoko' is strictly a blood relative. For very close friends, you might use 'kyoudai-mitai' (like a sibling) but not 'itoko'.

It is a traditional Japanese dish. The name is a play on words because the ingredients are cooked 'separately' (like cousins) before being combined.

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