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B1 Noun #19 よく出る 12分で読める

daughters

上位19

At the A1 level, 'daughters' is a basic family word. It is the plural of 'daughter.' You use it to talk about your family. For example, if you have two girls, you say, 'I have two daughters.' It is important to know that 'daughters' are female. If you have boys, you say 'sons.' If you have both, you say 'children.' You will see this word in simple stories about families. You might hear a teacher ask, 'How many daughters does the mother have?' In A1, you just need to remember that 'daughters' means more than one female child. It is a very common word when you introduce your family to new friends. You should also learn the word 'parents' because daughters have parents. When you write, remember to put an 's' at the end of 'daughter' to make it 'daughters.' It is a simple but very useful word for everyday life.

At the A2 level, you use 'daughters' to give more details about families. You can use adjectives with it. For example, 'She has two young daughters' or 'His daughters are very smart.' You also learn about possessives. You might say, 'My daughters' names are Anna and Elsa.' Notice the apostrophe after the 's' because there are two daughters. You will see this word in descriptions of people and their lives. It is also used in simple social situations. If you are at a party, someone might ask, 'Are those your daughters?' You can also use it to talk about birth order, like 'the eldest daughters' or 'the youngest daughters.' At this level, you should be comfortable using 'daughters' in sentences with different verbs, like 'My daughters like to play soccer' or 'Their daughters go to the same school.' It is a key word for describing social and family structures in more detail.

At the B1 level, you understand that 'daughters' can be used in more complex ways. It's not just about young children; a woman of any age is a daughter to her parents. You might discuss the roles of daughters in different cultures or the challenges of raising daughters in the modern world. You will encounter 'daughters' in more varied texts, such as news articles about inheritance or social issues. For example, 'The law ensures that daughters have the same rights as sons.' You also start to see the word in more formal contexts, like 'the daughters of the deceased.' At this level, you should be able to use 'daughters' in discussions about family dynamics, career choices, and social expectations. You might also hear it in idioms or common phrases. It is a word that appears frequently in literature and film, often exploring the deep emotional bonds between parents and their female offspring. You are expected to use the word accurately in both speaking and writing, including correct plural possessive forms.

At the B2 level, you recognize the metaphorical and technical uses of 'daughters.' In science, specifically biology, you will learn about 'daughter cells' which are produced during cell division. In physics, you might hear about 'daughter isotopes' in the context of radioactive decay. You understand that in these cases, 'daughters' refers to a relationship of derivation, not gender. You can also analyze the use of 'daughters' in literature and political speech. For instance, a leader might address the 'daughters of the nation' to inspire a sense of shared heritage and responsibility. You are comfortable using the word in academic essays and professional reports. You might discuss 'daughter companies' in a business context, although 'subsidiaries' is more common. At this level, your understanding of 'daughters' includes its historical connotations and its role in various specialized fields. You can use the word with precision, choosing it over 'children' or 'offspring' when you want to emphasize a specific female connection or a direct lineage.

At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated grasp of the word 'daughters' and its nuances. You can appreciate how the term is used in complex legal, sociological, and scientific discourses. In legal texts, you understand the implications of 'daughters' in terms of primogeniture and modern inheritance laws. In sociology, you might explore the 'daughters of immigrants' and the unique cultural identity they navigate. You are aware of the word's presence in high-level literature, where it can symbolize legacy, fertility, or the passage of time. You can use the word in subtle ways to convey specific meanings, such as using 'daughters of the soil' to evoke a deep, ancestral connection to a place. Your vocabulary includes related terms like 'progeny' or 'scions,' and you know exactly when to use 'daughters' for maximum impact. You can also discuss the etymology of the word, tracing it back to its Proto-Indo-European roots, and how its meaning has remained remarkably stable over millennia while its social context has shifted dramatically.

At the C2 level, you master the word 'daughters' in all its dimensions—familial, scientific, metaphorical, and historical. You can engage in deep analysis of the word's role in constructing gender identities and family hierarchies throughout history. You understand the most obscure technical uses, such as in advanced nuclear physics or complex cellular modeling. You can use 'daughters' in highly creative or poetic ways, perhaps personifying abstract concepts as 'daughters of time' or 'daughters of necessity.' You are sensitive to the word's register, knowing when it adds a touch of intimacy and when it serves as a precise technical label. You can navigate the most complex grammatical structures involving the word, including archaic forms found in classic literature. Your command of 'daughters' is such that you can use it to explore the most profound themes of human existence—birth, legacy, and the interconnectedness of all things—with elegance and precision.

練習する例文メモとヒント

daughters 30秒で

Daughters is the plural of daughter, referring to female children in relation to their parents, regardless of their current age or status.
The term is widely used in family contexts but also has specific technical meanings in biology (cells) and physics (isotopes).
Grammatically, it is a countable plural noun, requiring 'many' rather than 'much' and following standard plural possessive rules (daughters').
Metaphorically, it can describe groups of women with a shared heritage or entities that originate from a primary 'parent' source.

The term daughters is the plural form of the noun 'daughter,' which primarily refers to female children or offspring in relation to their parents. While the most common usage is rooted in biological or adoptive kinship, the word extends far beyond the domestic sphere into scientific, corporate, and metaphorical domains. In a family context, daughters represent the continuation of a lineage and are often discussed in terms of their developmental milestones, education, and roles within the family structure. Historically, the status of daughters has varied significantly across cultures, often tied to inheritance laws and social expectations, but in modern English, the term is used with a focus on individual identity and familial bond. Beyond biology, the word is frequently employed in science, particularly in physics and biology, to describe entities that result from a primary source. For instance, in cellular biology, when a single cell divides, it produces two 'daughter cells.' This does not imply gender but rather indicates a relationship of derivation. Similarly, in nuclear physics, a 'daughter isotope' is the product of the radioactive decay of a parent isotope. In the corporate world, a 'daughter company' (though more commonly referred to as a subsidiary) is a firm controlled by a parent company. Understanding 'daughters' requires recognizing these layers: the intimate familial connection, the scientific relationship of derivation, and the metaphorical use to describe groups of women who share a common heritage or cause, such as 'daughters of the revolution.'

Biological Offspring: Female children in relation to their parents, regardless of age. Even an eighty-year-old woman is still one of her parents' daughters.

The couple was incredibly proud of their three daughters, all of whom pursued careers in medicine.

Scientific Derivation: Entities like cells or isotopes that are produced from a primary or 'parent' source through division or decay.

During mitosis, the parent cell splits to create two identical daughters.

Metaphorical Groups: Women associated with a specific place, era, or organization that is personified as a mother.

The poem celebrated the daughters of the Nile, honoring the women who lived along its banks for millennia.

Many universities refer to their female graduates as the daughters of their alma mater.

The inheritance was divided equally among his four daughters.

In summary, 'daughters' is a versatile noun that bridges the gap between the most intimate human relationships and the cold precision of scientific classification. Whether discussing the complex dynamics of a family with multiple girls, the microscopic division of life, or the poetic legacy of a nation's women, 'daughters' serves as a fundamental descriptor of female-coded or derived connection. Its usage is pervasive in daily conversation, literature, and academic discourse, making it a cornerstone of English vocabulary for learners at the B1 level and beyond.

Using 'daughters' correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a plural countable noun and its various semantic applications. In its most basic form, it follows standard pluralization rules, usually preceded by possessive adjectives (my, their, her) or numbers. When constructing sentences, it is important to consider the context: is the relationship biological, legal, or metaphorical? For example, in a legal context, one might say 'the deceased's daughters are the primary beneficiaries,' where the term refers to legal heirs. In a more casual setting, 'she has two daughters' is a straightforward statement of family composition. The word often appears in the company of adjectives that describe age or order, such as 'eldest daughters,' 'youngest daughters,' or 'twin daughters.' Furthermore, 'daughters' is frequently used in prepositional phrases, such as 'daughters of,' to indicate origin or affiliation. For instance, 'daughters of the soil' is a poetic way to describe women who work the land or are native to a region. In scientific writing, the word functions as a technical descriptor, often paired with 'cells' or 'nuclei.' It is also crucial to note the possessive form: 'daughters'' (with the apostrophe after the 's') when referring to something belonging to multiple daughters, such as 'their daughters' education.' Mastery of this word involves not just knowing its meaning, but also its collocations and the subtle shifts in tone it can convey, from the warmth of a parent's pride to the clinical accuracy of a laboratory report.

Possessive Usage: When referring to something owned by more than one daughter, the apostrophe follows the 's'.

The daughters' shared bedroom was always filled with laughter and books.

Ordinal Adjectives: Commonly used with 'eldest', 'middle', or 'youngest' to specify birth order.

His two eldest daughters have already graduated from university.

Scientific Context: Used to describe the results of a process like division or decay.

The researcher observed the behavior of the daughters of the original bacterial colony.

She dedicated her book to her daughters, who inspired her every day.

The king had seven daughters, each more beautiful than the last.

By examining these examples, one can see that 'daughters' is not just a label for gender and age, but a marker of connection. Whether the connection is through blood, law, or scientific process, the word 'daughters' always points back to a source. Mastering its use allows for precise communication about family structures, scientific phenomena, and historical lineages.

The word 'daughters' is ubiquitous in English-speaking environments, appearing in contexts ranging from the highly personal to the strictly professional. In everyday life, you will hear it most often in conversations about family. Parents discuss their daughters' school progress, friends ask about each other's daughters, and grandparents boast about their granddaughters (who are the daughters of their own children). In the media, 'daughters' is a frequent subject of human-interest stories, news reports about inheritance or royal successions, and fictional narratives. Movies and television shows often center on the relationships between parents and their daughters, exploring themes of rebellion, protection, and legacy. In literature, from Shakespeare's 'King Lear' to modern novels, the dynamics of daughters are a central motif. Furthermore, you will encounter 'daughters' in official documents, such as birth certificates, wills, and census forms. In the academic and scientific world, the word is a standard term in biology and physics lectures. If you are listening to a podcast about genealogy, you will hear it repeatedly as researchers trace maternal lines. In religious contexts, many traditions use the term 'daughters' to address female congregants or to refer to biblical figures, such as the 'daughters of Zion.' Even in music, the word appears in countless song titles and lyrics, often reflecting themes of fatherly love or the transition from childhood to womanhood. Understanding where you hear 'daughters' helps you grasp its social weight and the various emotional and technical registers it can occupy.

Family Conversations: The most common setting, where parents or relatives discuss the lives and achievements of female offspring.

'My daughters are both away at college this year, so the house feels very quiet,' she remarked.

News and Media: Reports on royal families, celebrity news, or legal cases involving inheritance often use the term.

The documentary explored the lives of the daughters of famous world leaders.

Literature and Art: Classic and modern works often use 'daughters' to explore themes of family and heritage.

In the novel, the three daughters had very different ideas about how to save the family farm.

The song 'Daughters' by John Mayer reflects on the impact parents have on their female children.

The museum hosted an exhibit dedicated to the daughters of the American Revolution.

Whether you are in a classroom, a living room, or a courtroom, 'daughters' is a word that carries significant meaning. It is a term that connects individuals to their past and their future, making it one of the most resonant words in the English language.

While 'daughters' is a relatively straightforward word, learners often encounter pitfalls related to its pluralization, possessive forms, and specific usage contexts. One of the most frequent errors is confusing the plural 'daughters' with the singular possessive 'daughter's' or the plural possessive 'daughters'.' For example, writing 'my daughters book' instead of 'my daughter's book' (one daughter) or 'my daughters' book' (multiple daughters sharing a book) is a common grammatical slip. Another mistake involves using 'daughters' as a general synonym for 'girls.' While all daughters are girls (or women), not all girls are daughters in every context. 'Daughters' always implies a relationship to a parent; you wouldn't say 'I saw some daughters playing in the park' unless you were specifically referring to their relationship to parents present. In scientific contexts, learners sometimes forget that 'daughters' is a technical term and might try to use a more gender-neutral word like 'offspring cells,' which is less common in established scientific literature. There is also the issue of countability; 'daughters' is a countable noun, so it must be used with 'many' or 'few,' never 'much' or 'little.' Additionally, some learners struggle with the irregular pronunciation of the 'gh' in 'daughters,' which is silent, leading to mispronunciations that sound like 'daff-ters' or 'daug-ters.' Finally, in formal writing, it is important to avoid using 'daughters' when 'children' would be more inclusive, unless the gender distinction is specifically relevant to the topic at hand. By being mindful of these nuances, learners can avoid common errors and use the word with greater precision and confidence.

Apostrophe Placement: Confusing 'daughter's' (one) with 'daughters'' (many).

Incorrect: He went to his daughters graduation. Correct: He went to his daughters' graduation (if he has multiple daughters graduating).

Generalization Error: Using 'daughters' when 'girls' or 'women' is more appropriate for the context.

Incorrect: The daughters in the city like to shop. Correct: The girls/women in the city like to shop.

Pronunciation Pitfall: Attempting to pronounce the 'gh'. It is silent, like in 'bought' or 'caught'.

Focus on the 'aw' sound: /'dɔːtərz/.

Incorrect: There were much daughters at the party. Correct: There were many daughters at the party.

She has three daughters, but no sons.

Avoiding these common mistakes will significantly improve your fluency. Pay close attention to the relationship the word implies and the specific grammatical rules governing its plural and possessive forms.

When discussing female offspring, 'daughters' is the most common and direct term, but several alternatives exist depending on the desired level of formality, the specific relationship, or the context. Understanding these synonyms and related terms allows for more nuanced expression. For instance, 'girls' is often used informally by parents to refer to their daughters, as in 'the girls are at school.' However, 'girls' is less precise because it can refer to any young females. 'Offspring' is a more clinical or biological term that is gender-neutral; it is often used in scientific or legal contexts to refer to both sons and daughters. 'Children' is the most common gender-neutral alternative, used when the specific sex of the offspring is not relevant or when referring to a mixed group. In formal or literary contexts, you might encounter 'scions' or 'progeny,' though these are much rarer and carry a more elevated tone. 'Female descendants' is a precise phrase used in genealogy or legal discussions to include granddaughters and beyond. In scientific terms, 'daughter cells' or 'daughter isotopes' have no direct synonyms that carry the same technical weight. When comparing 'daughters' to 'sons,' the distinction is purely gender-based, but when comparing 'daughters' to 'stepdaughters' or 'foster daughters,' the distinction is legal and biological. Choosing the right word depends on whether you want to emphasize the familial bond, the biological reality, or the legal status of the individuals involved.

Daughters vs. Girls: 'Daughters' specifies a relationship to a parent; 'girls' refers only to age and gender.

While they are his daughters, they are no longer girls; they are grown women.

Daughters vs. Offspring: 'Offspring' is gender-neutral and more formal/scientific.

The study tracked the health of the daughters and other offspring of the participants.

Daughters vs. Progeny: 'Progeny' is a very formal, often literary term for descendants.

The king's daughters were his only progeny.

She treated her stepdaughters with the same love as her biological daughters.

The family consisted of the parents and their five daughters.

In conclusion, while 'daughters' is the standard term, being aware of its synonyms and related terms like 'offspring,' 'children,' and 'girls' allows you to tailor your language to the specific context and audience. Each word carries its own set of connotations and levels of formality.

How Formal Is It?

フォーマル

ニュートラル

カジュアル

Child friendly

スラング

豆知識

The word for 'daughter' is one of the most stable words in the Indo-European language family, sounding similar in languages as diverse as Greek (thygater), Sanskrit (duhitr), and Russian (doch). Some linguists suggest the ancient root might have originally meant 'milker,' referring to the daughter's role in a pastoral household.

発音ガイド

UK /ˈdɔːtərz/

US /ˈdɔtərz/

The stress is on the first syllable: DAUGH-ters.

韻が合う語

waters quarters porters supporters exporters importers reporters short-ers

よくある間違い

Pronouncing the 'gh' as 'f' (like 'laughter').
Pronouncing the 'gh' as 'g'.
Stress on the second syllable.
Using a short 'a' sound instead of the 'aw' sound.
Forgetting the 's' at the end for the plural form.

難易度

読解 2/5

Easy to recognize in text, though the 'gh' can be confusing for very early learners.

ライティング 3/5

Spelling 'daughter' correctly is a common hurdle due to the silent 'gh'.

スピーキング 2/5

Pronunciation is usually mastered quickly once the 'gh' rule is learned.

リスニング 2/5

Clear sound, though it can be confused with 'waters' in fast speech.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

daughter family girl mother father

次に学ぶ

sons siblings offspring descendants inheritance

上級

primogeniture matrilineal progeny mitosis isotopes

知っておくべき文法

Pluralization of Nouns

One daughter -> Two daughters.

Plural Possessive Apostrophe

The daughters' room (the room belonging to the daughters).

Subject-Verb Agreement with Plural Nouns

The daughters are (not is) playing.

Use of 'Many' with Countable Nouns

He has many daughters.

Possessive Adjectives with Plural Nouns

Their daughters, our daughters, her daughters.

レベル別の例文

I have two daughters.

J'ai deux filles.

Plural noun 'daughters' follows the number 'two'.

My daughters are seven and nine years old.

Mes filles ont sept et neuf ans.

Subject-verb agreement: 'daughters' (plural) takes 'are'.

She loves her daughters very much.

Elle aime beaucoup ses filles.

Possessive adjective 'her' refers to the mother.

The daughters play in the park.

Les filles jouent dans le parc.

Definite article 'the' used with plural noun.

Are they your daughters?

Sont-elles vos filles ?

Question form using 'are' for plural subject.

His daughters go to school.

Ses filles vont à l'école.

Present simple tense for a regular action.

We have three daughters.

Nous avons trois filles.

Plural 'daughters' after the number 'three'.

The daughters are happy today.

Les filles sont heureuses aujourd'hui.

Adjective 'happy' describes the plural noun 'daughters'.

His daughters' names are Sarah and Emily.

Les noms de ses filles sont Sarah et Emily.

Plural possessive: apostrophe after the 's'.

She is the mother of four daughters.

Elle est la mère de quatre filles.

Prepositional phrase 'of four daughters'.

The two daughters look like their father.

Les deux filles ressemblent à leur père.

Phrasal verb 'look like' used with plural subject.

My daughters' toys are all over the floor.

Les jouets de mes filles sont partout sur le sol.

Plural possessive 'daughters''.

They bought new dresses for their daughters.

Ils ont acheté de nouvelles robes pour leurs filles.

Indirect object 'for their daughters'.

The eldest daughters are helping in the kitchen.

Les filles aînées aident dans la cuisine.

Ordinal adjective 'eldest' modifying 'daughters'.

Both of her daughters are talented musicians.

Ses deux filles sont des musiciennes talentueuses.

'Both of' used with plural noun 'daughters'.

He wrote a letter to his daughters.

Il a écrit une lettre à ses filles.

Past simple tense 'wrote'.

Many parents worry about their daughters' safety.

Beaucoup de parents s'inquiètent pour la sécurité de leurs filles.

Plural possessive 'daughters''.

The king had three daughters, but no sons to inherit the throne.

Le roi avait trois filles, mais aucun fils pour hériter du trône.

Contrast between 'daughters' and 'sons'.

She wanted her daughters to have better opportunities than she did.

Elle voulait que ses filles aient de meilleures opportunités qu'elle.

Infinitive phrase 'to have' after 'wanted her daughters'.

The daughters of the immigrants often feel caught between two cultures.

Les filles d'immigrés se sentent souvent prises entre deux cultures.

Complex subject with prepositional phrase.

They are proud of their daughters' academic achievements.

Ils sont fiers des réussites scolaires de leurs filles.

Adjective 'proud' followed by 'of'.

The movie tells the story of four daughters growing up during the war.

Le film raconte l'histoire de quatre filles grandissant pendant la guerre.

Present participle 'growing up' modifying 'daughters'.

He spent the weekend visiting his daughters in the city.

Il a passé le week-end à rendre visite à ses filles en ville.

Gerund 'visiting' after 'spent the weekend'.

The daughters were surprised by the news of the inheritance.

Les filles ont été surprises par la nouvelle de l'héritage.

Passive voice 'were surprised'.

In biology, the two cells produced by division are called daughter cells.

En biologie, les deux cellules produites par division sont appelées cellules filles.

Technical use of 'daughter' as a modifier.

The parent isotope decays into several stable daughters.

L'isotope parent se désintègre en plusieurs filles stables.

Scientific use of 'daughters' for decay products.

The company has several daughters operating in different European countries.

L'entreprise possède plusieurs filiales opérant dans différents pays européens.

Metaphorical use for subsidiary companies.

She is one of the daughters of the American Revolution.

Elle est l'une des filles de la Révolution américaine.

Proper noun phrase referring to an organization.

The poem celebrates the daughters of the night, referring to the stars.

Le poème célèbre les filles de la nuit, en référence aux étoiles.

Poetic/metaphorical personification.

The law was changed to allow daughters to inherit land equally.

La loi a été modifiée pour permettre aux filles d'hériter des terres de manière égale.

Infinitive 'to allow' followed by object and infinitive.

The researchers studied the daughters of the original test subjects.

Les chercheurs ont étudié les filles des sujets de test originaux.

Precise biological lineage in a study.

Many ancient myths feature the daughters of powerful gods.

De nombreux mythes anciens mettent en scène les filles de dieux puissants.

Plural noun in a mythological context.

The novel explores the complex psychological ties between mothers and their adult daughters.

Le roman explore les liens psychologiques complexes entre les mères et leurs filles adultes.

Abstract noun 'ties' modified by 'psychological'.

The sociological study focused on the daughters of the working class in the 19th century.

L'étude sociologique s'est concentrée sur les filles de la classe ouvrière au XIXe siècle.

Prepositional phrase defining a social group.

Primogeniture often excluded daughters from inheriting the family estate.

La primogéniture excluait souvent les filles de l'héritage du domaine familial.

Formal vocabulary 'primogeniture' and 'estate'.

The 'daughters of the soil' movement sought to protect traditional farming practices.

Le mouvement des 'filles du sol' cherchait à protéger les pratiques agricoles traditionnelles.

Metaphorical title for a social movement.

The radioactive sample decayed, leaving behind a series of short-lived daughters.

L'échantillon radioactif s'est désintégré, laissant derrière lui une série de filles à vie courte.

Technical scientific description.

In the play, the daughters represent different facets of their father's declining sanity.

Dans la pièce, les filles représentent différentes facettes de la santé mentale déclinante de leur père.

Symbolic representation in literary analysis.

The legal dispute centered on whether the term 'issue' included illegitimate daughters.

Le litige juridique portait sur la question de savoir si le terme 'descendance' incluait les filles illégitimes.

Precise legal terminology 'issue' and 'illegitimate'.

The artist's work often depicts the daughters of the city, capturing their urban struggle.

L'œuvre de l'artiste dépeint souvent les filles de la ville, capturant leur lutte urbaine.

Metaphorical use in art criticism.

The intricate dance of mitosis ensures that the daughters receive an exact copy of the genome.

La danse complexe de la mitose garantit que les filles reçoivent une copie exacte du génome.

Highly technical biological description.

The poet personified the seasons as the daughters of Time, each bringing her own gift.

Le poète a personnifié les saisons comme les filles du Temps, chacune apportant son propre cadeau.

Advanced literary personification.

The archival research traced the matrilineal descent through seven generations of daughters.

La recherche archivistique a retracé la descendance matrilinéaire à travers sept générations de filles.

Specialized genealogical terminology.

The philosopher argued that all human virtues are the daughters of necessity.

Le philosophe a soutenu que toutes les vertus humaines sont les filles de la nécessité.

Philosophical metaphor.

The treaty was signed by the daughters of the fallen monarchs, marking a new era of peace.

Le traité a été signé par les filles des monarques déchus, marquant une nouvelle ère de paix.

Historical/political narrative style.

The study analyzed the epigenetic markers passed from mothers to their daughters over decades.

L'étude a analysé les marqueurs épigénétiques transmis des mères à leurs filles au fil des décennies.

Advanced scientific context.

In the epic, the daughters of the sea were said to guide lost sailors home.

Dans l'épopée, on disait que les filles de la mer guidaient les marins perdus vers leur foyer.

Mythological/epic register.

The critique noted that the author's portrayal of the daughters was steeped in Victorian sentimentality.

La critique a noté que le portrait des filles par l'auteur était imprégné de sentimentalité victorienne.

Sophisticated literary criticism.

よく使う組み合わせ

eldest daughters

twin daughters

daughter cells

loving daughters

grown daughters

daughters-in-law

only daughters

beautiful daughters

raise daughters

daughters of the nation

よく使うフレーズ

like father, like daughters

daughters of the soil

sons and daughters

mother-daughters relationship

daughters of Eve

the daughters' share

stepdaughters

granddaughters

god-daughters

daughters of the revolution

よく混同される語

daughters vs daughter's

This is the singular possessive. 'My daughter's dog' means one daughter has a dog. 'My daughters' dog' means multiple daughters share a dog.

daughters vs doctors

In fast speech, 'daughters' and 'doctors' can sometimes sound similar to non-native ears, but the vowel sounds are distinct (/ɔː/ vs /ɒ/).

daughters vs waters

Rhymes with daughters, but refers to H2O. Context usually makes the difference clear.

慣用句と表現

"keep your daughters locked up"

A humorous or protective way to say one should be careful of young men.

With a charmer like him around, you'd better keep your daughters locked up!

informal

"daughters of the horseleech"

An archaic biblical idiom referring to people who are never satisfied and always want more.

The greedy investors were like the daughters of the horseleech.

literary/archaic

"a daughter of the game"

An old-fashioned, often derogatory term for a woman of loose morals or a prostitute.

In the old play, she was described as a daughter of the game.

archaic

"daughters of Zion"

A biblical term referring to the women of Jerusalem or the people of Israel.

The prophet called upon the daughters of Zion to be faithful.

religious

"daughter of the regiment"

A girl or woman adopted or supported by a military regiment.

The opera 'La fille du régiment' tells the story of a daughter of the regiment.

historical

"the sun's daughters"

A poetic way to refer to rays of light or specific flowers.

The sunflowers turned their heads like the sun's daughters.

poetic

"daughters of the wind"

A metaphorical term for something fast, elusive, or free-spirited.

The wild horses ran across the plain like daughters of the wind.

poetic

"daughters of sorrow"

A literary term for women who have suffered great loss.

The war left behind many daughters of sorrow.

literary

"daughters of joy"

A euphemism for prostitutes, particularly in historical contexts.

The district was known for its many daughters of joy.

historical/euphemism

"daughters of the moon"

A mythological or poetic term for entities associated with the night.

The stars were sometimes called the daughters of the moon.

poetic

間違えやすい

daughters vs daughters-in-law

The pluralization is on 'daughters', not 'laws'.

Daughters are biological/adoptive; daughters-in-law are the wives of one's sons.

He has two daughters and two daughters-in-law.

daughters vs stepdaughters

Similar relationship but different legal/biological status.

Stepdaughters are the children of a spouse from a previous marriage.

She loves her stepdaughters as much as her own.

daughters vs granddaughters

One generation removed.

Granddaughters are the daughters of your children.

The grandparents spoiled their granddaughters.

daughters vs girls

Often used interchangeably in casual speech.

Girls refers to age/gender; daughters refers to a specific relationship.

All his daughters are now grown women, not girls.

daughters vs offspring

Both refer to children.

Offspring is gender-neutral and more formal.

The animal protected its offspring, which included three daughters.

文型パターン

I have [number] daughters.

I have three daughters.

My daughters' names are [Name] and [Name].

My daughters' names are Lily and Rose.

He is the father of [number] daughters.

He is the father of four daughters.

The daughters were [adjective] to hear the news.

The daughters were thrilled to hear the news.

The process produces two identical daughter [noun].

The process produces two identical daughter cells.

She is a member of the Daughters of [Organization].

She is a member of the Daughters of the Confederacy.

The legacy was passed down to the daughters of the [Group].

The legacy was passed down to the daughters of the pioneers.

The virtues are often seen as the daughters of [Abstract Noun].

The virtues are often seen as the daughters of patience.

語族

名詞

形容詞

使い方

frequency

Very high in daily speech and literature; moderate in scientific contexts.

よくある間違い

daughter's (plural) → daughters
Do not use an apostrophe just to make a word plural. 'I have two daughter's' is incorrect. It should be 'I have two daughters'.
much daughters → many daughters
Daughters is a countable noun. Use 'many' for large quantities, not 'much'.
daff-ters → daw-terz
The 'au' is pronounced like 'aw', not a short 'a'. The 'gh' is silent.
my daughters book → my daughters' book
If the book belongs to multiple daughters, you need the plural possessive apostrophe after the 's'.
the daughters cells → the daughter cells
In this technical compound, 'daughter' acts as an adjective and usually stays singular, even if there are many cells.

ヒント

Watch the Apostrophe

Remember that 'daughters' is plural. If you want to show possession for many daughters, use 'daughters''. If you only have one, use 'daughter's'. This is the most frequent error in writing this word.

Silent GH

Don't let the 'gh' scare you. It makes no sound at all. The word sounds like 'DAW-terz'. If you can say 'water', you can say 'daughter'—just change the first sound!

Use 'Children' for Mixed Groups

If you are talking about a group of boys and girls, don't just say 'daughters'. Use 'children' or 'sons and daughters' to be accurate and inclusive. 'Daughters' is gender-specific.

Technical Usage

When reading science articles, don't be confused by 'daughter cells'. It doesn't mean the cells are female; it just means they came from a 'parent' cell. It's a way to show the lineage of the division.

Adult Daughters

Remember that you can use 'daughters' for women of any age. It is often more respectful to say 'his adult daughters' than 'his girls' when referring to grown women in a professional or formal setting.

Ordinal Adjectives

When writing about multiple daughters, use ordinal adjectives like 'eldest', 'middle', and 'youngest' to help your reader understand the family structure clearly. For example: 'His eldest daughters are twins.'

The 'AU' Rule

The 'au' in daughters is the same as in 'caught' or 'taught'. If you remember that these words often go together in spelling patterns, it will be easier to memorize. They all have that silent 'gh' too!

Inclusive Language

In modern contexts, some people prefer 'children' to avoid gender binary assumptions. However, 'daughters' remains the standard and most common term when the gender is known and relevant.

Listen for the 'Z'

The plural 's' at the end of 'daughters' is pronounced like a 'z'. This helps distinguish it from the singular 'daughter' in spoken English, especially in fast conversation.

Rhyme Time

Keep this rhyme in mind: 'Daughters and waters, sons and suns.' It helps you remember the plural form and the basic family pairings in a simple, catchy way.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of 'Daughters Always Understand Great Heartfelt Thoughts'. The silent 'gh' is like a 'Great Heartfelt' secret in the middle of the word.

視覚的連想

Imagine a mother holding two small girls' hands. The 'd' in daughters looks like a person standing, and the 's' at the end is for the two girls.

Word Web

Family Sons Parents Girls Lineage Inheritance Cells Isotopes

チャレンジ

Try to write five sentences about a famous family with many daughters, like the Bennets from 'Pride and Prejudice' or the March sisters from 'Little Women'.

語源

The word 'daughters' comes from the Old English 'dohtor', which is of Germanic origin. It is related to the Dutch 'dochter' and German 'Tochter'.

元の意味： The original meaning has always been 'female child'. It traces back to a Proto-Indo-European root *dhugheter-.

Indo-European > Germanic > West Germanic > Old English.

文化的な背景

Be aware that in some contexts, focusing only on 'daughters' can be seen as excluding non-binary or male children; use 'children' for inclusivity.

In the US and UK, 'Father-Daughter dances' are common traditions at weddings and schools, celebrating the bond.

The movie 'Daughters of the Dust' (1991) about Gullah women. The song 'Daughters' by John Mayer. The novel 'Little Women' by Louisa May Alcott.

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Family Reunions

All the daughters are here.
How are your daughters doing?
It's a gathering of daughters.
The daughters organized the party.

School/Education

My daughters go to that school.
The daughters' grades are excellent.
A school for daughters.
Enrolling my daughters in dance.

Biology Class

Observe the daughter cells.
Two daughters from one parent.
Daughter cell division.
Genetic traits in daughters.

Legal/Inheritance

Divided among the daughters.
The daughters' legal rights.
Provision for his daughters.
Daughters as beneficiaries.

History/Literature

The king's three daughters.
Daughters of the empire.
Famous daughters in history.
The role of daughters in the novel.

会話のきっかけ

"Do you have any daughters or sons in your family?"

"What are some common names for daughters in your country?"

"How do you think the roles of daughters have changed over the last fifty years?"

"In your culture, do daughters usually stay close to their parents when they grow up?"

"Have you ever seen a movie where the relationship between daughters was the main story?"

日記のテーマ

Write about the relationship between two daughters in a fictional family. How are they different?

Reflect on the advice you would give to parents who are raising daughters today.

Describe a famous historical figure who was one of many daughters. How did her family influence her?

Imagine you are a scientist describing the birth of 'daughter cells' in a poetic way.

Write a letter from a parent to their daughters, expressing pride in their achievements.

よくある質問

10 問

No, 'daughters' refers to the relationship, not the age. A woman remains a daughter to her parents throughout her entire life. You can say 'my adult daughters' or 'my elderly daughters' if the parents are still alive. It is a lifelong descriptor of kinship.

If you are talking about something belonging to more than one daughter, the apostrophe goes after the 's': 'daughters''. For example, 'the daughters' bedroom'. If you mean only one daughter, it is 'daughter's'. This is a very common mistake even for native speakers.

In biology, 'daughter cells' are the two cells that result from the division of a single 'parent cell' during mitosis or meiosis. The term 'daughter' here indicates derivation and relationship, not biological sex. It is a standard technical term used in textbooks worldwide.

Yes, 'daughters' is perfectly appropriate for adopted female children. In modern English, the term covers biological, adoptive, and often step-relationships, depending on the closeness of the bond. It is a term of family status rather than just genetics.

'Daughters' always implies a relationship to a parent. 'Girls' simply describes the gender and age of the individuals. You can be a girl without being a daughter in a specific context, but you are always a daughter to someone. 'Daughters' is more specific about family ties.

The silent 'gh' is a remnant of Old English and Germanic roots where a guttural sound (like the 'ch' in 'Bach') used to be pronounced. Over centuries, the sound disappeared from English speech, but the spelling remained. This is common in many English words like 'night', 'light', and 'thought'.

Yes, the male equivalent is 'sons'. When referring to a group that includes both, you should use the gender-neutral term 'children' or the more formal 'offspring'. Using 'sons and daughters' is also a very common and inclusive way to address a group.

This is a metaphorical and poetic phrase used to describe women who have a deep, ancestral connection to a particular land or who work in agriculture. It emphasizes their native status and their labor on the earth. It is often used in political or literary contexts to evoke pride.

No, 'daughters' is strictly a noun. You cannot 'daughter' someone. However, there is an adjective 'daughterly', which describes behavior typical of or appropriate for a daughter, such as 'she showed daughterly devotion to her father'.

In nuclear physics, a 'daughter isotope' (also called a decay product) is the remaining nuclide left over from the radioactive decay of a parent isotope. Just like in biology, the term 'daughter' signifies that the new isotope was created directly from the original 'parent' source.