이 페이지를 내 언어로

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 noun 11분 분량

里親

rioshin

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 里親 30초 만에

설명 里親 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 里親 (satooya) means 'foster parent' or 'adopter' for pets. You will most likely see this word on posters for cats or dogs. For example, if you see a picture of a cute kitten with the words 里親募集中 (Satooya boshuuchuu), it means 'Looking for a new home/parent.' You don't need to worry about the complex legal meanings yet. Just remember that 里 (sato) is like 'village' and 親 (oya) is 'parent.' It is a kind person who takes in a pet or a child who needs a home. In simple sentences, you can say 'I want a cat' or 'I will be a satooya for this cat.' Focus on the pet context first, as it is very common in daily life in Japan.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the A2 level, you can start using 里親 (satooya) in basic sentences about people and pets. You should learn the common verb になる (ni naru), which means 'to become.' For example, 'I want to become a foster parent' is 里親になりたいです (Satooya ni naritai desu). You might also see this word in simple news stories or social media posts. You should understand that this word is different from お父さん (otousan) or お母さん (okaasan) because it describes a specific role. Also, start noticing the word 里子 (satogo), which means the foster child. At this level, you should be able to identify the word in a sentence and understand if the topic is about helping animals or children.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the B1 level, you should understand the social context of 里親 (satooya) in Japan. You should know that Japan is trying to increase the number of satooya to help children in orphanages. You should be able to use the word with more complex grammar, such as 里親制度 (satooya seido - foster parent system) or 里親を探す (satooya o sagasu - to look for a foster parent). At this level, you should also distinguish between 里親 and 養子 (youshi - adopted child). You might participate in discussions about social issues and use this word to talk about child welfare. You should also be comfortable seeing this word in flyers, news articles, and TV dramas, understanding the emotional and legal nuances involved.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 里親 (satooya) in formal and academic discussions. You should be familiar with related terms like 児童相談所 (jidousoudanjo - child consultation center) and 委託 (itaku - entrustment/placement). You should understand the different types of foster parents in Japan, such as 養育里親 (youiku satooya - rearing foster parents) and 専門里親 (senmon satooya - specialized foster parents). You can explain the pros and cons of the foster care system and discuss government policies. Your vocabulary should include collocations like 里親家庭 (satooya katei - foster family) and 里親委託率 (satooya itakuritsu - foster placement rate). You should be able to read editorials or watch documentaries about this topic without much difficulty.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the historical and legal implications of 里親 (satooya). You can discuss the evolution of the 'Sato' system from the Edo period to modern social welfare laws. You understand the psychological aspects of the satooya-satogo relationship and can use nuanced language to describe attachment issues or the transition to legal adoption. You are familiar with the 里親信条 (Satooya Shinjo - Foster Parent Creed) and other professional standards. You can debate the ethical implications of international vs. domestic fostering and the role of private agencies. Your usage of the word is precise, and you can navigate the sensitivities of the topic in professional social work or legal environments.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like command of the word 里親 (satooya) and its place in the Japanese linguistic landscape. You can analyze the word's usage in classical and modern literature, noting how the concept of 'Sato' has shifted from a literal village to a metaphorical community of care. You can critique government white papers on child welfare and contribute to high-level policy discussions. You understand the subtle differences in register between satooya, youshin, and hogosha in every possible context, including complex legal disputes. You can also appreciate and use the word in creative writing, utilizing its emotional connotations to convey themes of belonging and identity in Japanese society.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

里親 30초 만에

里親 (Satooya) refers to a foster parent for children or an adopter for rescued pets.
The word literally means 'village parent,' reflecting historical communal childcare practices.
It is a key term in Japanese social welfare and animal rescue contexts.
Unlike adoption (youshi engumi), fostering is often temporary and state-monitored.

The Japanese word 里親 (さとおや - satooya) is a compound noun that translates literally to "village parent." In modern Japanese, it refers to a foster parent—someone who takes in and cares for a child who cannot live with their biological parents for various reasons, such as abuse, neglect, or the death of the parents. While the concept of fostering exists globally, the Japanese term carries a unique historical weight, reflecting a time when childcare was a communal responsibility within a village or a specific localized community. Today, it is the official legal term used by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare to describe individuals or couples registered in the foster care system.

Etymology: The first kanji, 里 (sato), means village, hometown, or countryside. The second kanji, 親 (oya), means parent. Historically, if a child lost their parents, the 'sato' or village would collectively ensure the child was raised, often by a specific family designated as the 'satooya'.

In contemporary society, the word is used in both legal and social contexts. You will encounter it in news reports discussing the shortage of foster homes in Japan, in social welfare offices (児童相談所 - jidousoudanjo), and increasingly in the context of animal welfare. While its primary meaning remains human foster parents, the term ペットの里親 (petto no satooya) has become extremely common, referring to people who adopt rescued animals from shelters. This dual usage highlights the term's core meaning: providing a home for a being in need of care, regardless of biological ties.

日本では、里親制度の普及が急務とされています。
(In Japan, the proliferation of the foster parent system is considered an urgent matter.)

Culturally, the concept of 里親 is evolving. Historically, Japan had a high rate of institutionalized care (orphanages or 児童養護施設) compared to many Western nations. However, recent government policy shifts have emphasized the importance of family-based environments, leading to a significant push for more people to become 里親. This shift involves complex legal distinctions, such as 養育里親 (youiku satooya) for short-term care and 養子縁組里親 (youshi engumi satooya) for those intending to eventually adopt the child legally.

Social Context: In Japanese media, the term is often associated with themes of kindness and social responsibility. Shows like 'Ashita, Mama ga Inai' have brought the struggles of children in the system and their potential foster parents to the public eye, sparking debate about what makes a 'real' parent in modern Japan.

彼女は保護犬の里親を探している。
(She is looking for a foster parent/adopter for a rescued dog.)

Understanding 里親 requires recognizing the nuance of the 'Sato' (village). It implies that the child is not just being raised by individuals, but is being reintegrated into a community through the vessel of a family. This is why the term feels warmer and more community-oriented than purely legal terms. For learners, mastering this word involves understanding its application across human welfare and animal rescue, as well as the societal push for family-centered care in Japan.

Using 里親 (satooya) correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and the specific verbs it typically pairs with. Because it describes a status or a role, it is most frequently used with the verbs になる (ni naru - to become), を探す (o sagasu - to look for), and に預ける (ni azukeru - to entrust to). Let's explore the grammatical structures and common patterns used in daily and formal Japanese.

Becoming a Foster Parent: To say someone became a foster parent, use the particle に: 里親になる. This is the most common way to describe the entry into the foster care system. Example: 「彼らは里親になるための研修を受けている。」 (They are undergoing training to become foster parents.)

将来、子供たちの里親になりたいと考えています。
(In the future, I am thinking that I want to become a foster parent for children.)

When talking about the child's perspective or the government's action of placing a child, the verb 委託する (itaku suru - to entrust/commission) is used in formal settings. For instance, 「児童を里親に委託する」 (to entrust a child to a foster parent). In more casual or emotional settings, 預ける (azukeru - to leave with/entrust) is preferred. These verbs highlight the temporary or custodial nature of the relationship, which is a key distinction from adoption (養子縁組).

Animal Rescue Context: In the context of pets, 里親 is often used with 募集 (boshuu - recruitment/seeking). You will frequently see signs or social media posts saying 「里親募集中」 (Foster parents/adopters wanted). This is the standard way to advertise that a pet is available for a new home.

この猫の里親になってくれる人を探しています。
(I am looking for someone who will become the foster parent/adopter for this cat.)

Another important grammatical point is the use of 里親制度 (satooya seido), meaning 'the foster parent system.' This is used when discussing the legal or societal framework. For example, 「里親制度についてもっと知る必要がある。」 (We need to know more about the foster parent system.) When referring to the household itself, 里親家庭 (satooya katei) is the appropriate term.

Formal vs. Informal: In formal documents, you might see 里親委託 (satooya itaku) for foster placement. In conversation, simply saying 里親に出す (satooya ni dasu)—meaning to put a child or animal up for fostering—is common but should be used sensitively.

自治体は里親への支援を強化すべきだ。
(Local governments should strengthen support for foster parents.)

Finally, pay attention to the particles. 里親から (from a foster parent), 里親として (as a foster parent), and 里親のもとで (under the care of a foster parent) are all vital for expressing relationships and states of being. Mastery of these patterns allows you to discuss complex social issues and personal stories with accuracy and empathy.

The word 里親 (satooya) is not just a dry legal term; it appears in various facets of Japanese life, from the evening news to neighborhood bulletin boards. Understanding the context in which it appears helps learners grasp its emotional and social weight. In Japan, where social harmony and the family unit are highly valued, the concept of fostering often carries a sense of profound altruism and societal support.

In the News and Media: You will frequently hear this word during news segments about social welfare reforms. Japan has been criticized for its low foster care placement rates, so terms like 里親委託率 (satooya itaku-ritsu - foster care placement rate) are common in political reporting. Reporters often use 里親 when interviewing families who have opened their homes to children from institutional care.

ニュース番組で、里親不足の現状が詳しく報じられた。
(The current situation of the shortage of foster parents was reported in detail on the news program.)

In popular culture, particularly J-Dramas (TV dramas) and Manga, 里親 is a recurring theme used to explore the bonds of family beyond blood. Dramas like "Mother" or "Hajimete no Koi ga Owaru Hi ni" often feature characters who are foster parents or children in the system, portraying the emotional complexities of these relationships. In these contexts, the word is used with high emotional resonance, often highlighting the challenges and rewards of non-biological parenting.

In Local Communities: At the local level, you might see the word on posters in city halls (市役所 - shiyakusho) or community centers. These posters often promote 里親月間 (Satooya Gekkan - Foster Parent Month), which is October in Japan. The language used here is informative and encouraging, aiming to demystify the process for potential foster families.

地域の掲示板に「猫の里親を探しています」というチラシが貼ってあった。
(A flyer saying "Looking for a foster parent/adopter for a cat" was posted on the local bulletin board.)

Another common place to hear the word is in the context of 動物愛護 (doubutsu aigo - animal welfare). Animal shelters and rescue organizations use 里親 almost exclusively to describe the people who adopt rescued pets. This usage has become so normalized that for many younger Japanese people, the first thing they think of when they hear 里親 is pet adoption rather than the foster care system for children.

In Academic and Legal Settings: When studying sociology or social work in Japanese, 里親 is a technical term. You will learn about the 里親委託ガイドライン (Foster Care Placement Guidelines) and the various types of fostering recognized by law. Here, the word is used with clinical precision, stripped of its emotional connotations to focus on policy and legal rights.

Whether it's a heartbreaking scene in a drama, a policy debate on TV, or a cute photo of a kitten on Twitter, 里親 is a word that connects the legal framework of the state with the personal compassion of individuals. Hearing it tells you that a conversation about care, responsibility, and the definition of family is taking place.

Learning to use 里親 (satooya) correctly requires navigating some subtle linguistic and cultural traps. Because the English word "parent" is so broad, learners often over-apply 里親 or confuse it with related terms for adoption and guardianship. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid.

Mistake 1: Confusing Foster Parents with Adoptive Parents: The most frequent mistake is using 里親 when you mean 養親 (youshin) or 養父母 (youfubo). In English, we often use "adoption" and "fostering" in similar conversations, but in Japanese, 里親 implies a temporary or state-monitored arrangement. Adoption (養子縁組 - youshi engumi) is a permanent legal change where the child becomes a legal member of the family. If the legal process is finished, they are no longer just satooya; they are youshin.

❌ 彼は私の里親です。(He is my foster parent - but used when meaning legal adoptive father.)
✅ 彼は私の養父です。(He is my adoptive father.)

Another common error involves the misuse of the word in the context of pets. While 里親 is the correct term for someone who *takes in* a rescued pet, you should not use it to describe a pet's biological parents or a simple owner who bought a pet from a store. 里親 specifically implies a rescue or transfer situation. If you bought your dog at a pet shop, you are the 飼い主 (kainushi - owner), not the 里親.

Mistake 2: Incorrect Particle Usage: Learners often struggle with which particle to use with 里親. When becoming one, use に (里親になる). When acting in the capacity of one, use として (里親として). A common error is using を with naru, which is grammatically incorrect.

❌ 里親をなりたい。
✅ 里親になりたい。

Finally, avoid using 里親 to refer to a babysitter or a temporary guardian like an aunt or uncle watching a child for a weekend. The term 里親 is specifically for the formal foster care system or the permanent rehoming of animals. For temporary babysitting, use ベビーシッター or simply 預かり (azukari). Using 里親 in these informal contexts sounds overly dramatic and legally heavy.

Mistake 3: Pronunciation/Kanji Errors: Be careful not to read 里 as 'ri' in this compound. While 'ri' is the Onyomi (Chinese reading), in 里親, it is always the Kunyomi sato. Saying 'ri-oya' will not be understood by native speakers.

By keeping these distinctions in mind—temporary vs. permanent, rescue vs. purchase, and formal vs. informal—you can use 里親 with the precision and cultural awareness of a native speaker.

To truly master 里親 (satooya), it is essential to understand the constellation of related terms that describe caregiving and parenting in Japanese. Each of these words has a specific nuance and legal standing that distinguishes it from satooya.

里親 (Satooya) vs. 養親 (Youshin): 里親 refers to foster parents who provide care for children under the supervision of the state, often temporarily. 養親 refers to adoptive parents who have legally taken a child as their own. The relationship in youshin is permanent and legally equivalent to biological parenthood.
里親 (Satooya) vs. 保護者 (Hogosha): 保護者 is a broad term meaning 'guardian' or 'person in parental authority.' It includes biological parents, foster parents, and legal guardians. You will hear this most often at schools (e.g., 保護者会 - hogoshakai, parent-teacher meeting). A satooya is a type of hogosha, but not all hogosha are satooya.

学校の書類では、里親も「保護者」として扱われる。
(In school documents, foster parents are also treated as "guardians".)

In the context of animal rescue, you might also hear the term 新しい飼い主 (atarashii kainushi), which literally means 'new owner.' While 里親 is more common in emotional or altruistic contexts (like a rescue group's website), atarashii kainushi is more direct and is often used in legal or official animal control documents.

Other Related Terms

養父母 (Youfubo): Adoptive father and mother (Formal).
義父母 (Gifubo): Parents-in-law or step-parents.
後見人 (Koukennin): Legal guardian, often for adults or in inheritance cases.
ステップファミリー (Suteppu Famirii): Step-family (Katakana loanword).

彼は生みの親より、育ての親（里親）を大切にしている。
(He cherishes his 'raising parent' (foster parent) more than his biological parent.)

When talking about the child, the counterpart to 里親 is 里子 (satogo). Just as satooya is 'village parent,' satogo is 'village child' or foster child. In the animal context, we don't usually say satogo; we just refer to the animal by its species (e.g., sato-neko is occasionally heard, but rare).

Understanding these alternatives allows you to choose the word that best fits the formality of the situation and the specific legal or emotional relationship you are describing. Whether you are filling out a form or telling a heartfelt story, having these words in your vocabulary is essential for clear communication.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

In the Edo period, 'satooya' was sometimes used for families that took in children of samurai or wealthy merchants to be raised in the countryside to build character and health.

발음 가이드

UK /sæˈtoʊ.i.ə/

US /sɑˈtoʊ.i.ə/

Japanese is a pitch-accent language. In 'satooya', the pitch is typically low-high-high-high (Heiban-gata).

라임이 맞는 단어

Nagoya (City) Oya (Parent) Terakoya (Temple school) Ashitaya (Tomorrow shop) Tsuchigoya (Earth hut) Yoya (Night shop) Hishioya (Miso shop) Hanaya (Flower shop)

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing '里' as 'Ri' instead of 'Sato'.
Stressing the 'o' too much like in English 'photo'.
Blending 'o' and 'o' into one short sound; it should be 'sa-to-o-ya'.
Confusing the pitch with 'satogo' (foster child).
Forgetting to voice the 'ya' clearly.

난이도

독해 3/5

The kanji are basic (N4/N3 level), but the context is often B1/B2.

쓰기 3/5

Both 'Sato' and 'Oya' are common kanji, but remembering the compound is key.

말하기 2/5

Easy to pronounce once you know the Kun-reading.

듣기 3/5

Can be confused with other 'Sato' words if not careful.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

親 (Parent) 子供 (Child) 家族 (Family) 育てる (To raise) 家 (House)

다음에 배울 것

養子 (Adopted child) 福祉 (Welfare) 制度 (System) 委託 (Entrustment) 保護者 (Guardian)

고급

児童虐待 (Child abuse) 愛着障害 (Attachment disorder) 家庭養護 (Family care) 社会的養護 (Social care) 特別養子縁組 (Special adoption)

알아야 할 문법

Noun + になる (To become)

里親になる。

Noun + として (As a...)

里親として子供を守る。

Noun + のもとで (Under the care of...)

里親のもとで生活する。

Verb (Dictionary form) + ために (In order to)

里親になるために勉強する。

Noun + について (About...)

里親について話し合う。

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

수준별 예문

ねこの里親になります。

I will become a foster parent for a cat.

里親 (noun) + に (particle) + なります (verb: to become).

里親をさがしています。

I am looking for a foster parent.

里親 (object) + を (particle) + さがしています (verb: looking for).

この犬の里親はだれですか？

Who is this dog's foster parent?

里親 (subject) + は (particle) + だれ (who) + ですか (question).

里親はとてもやさしいです。

The foster parent is very kind.

里親 (subject) + は (particle) + やさしい (adjective: kind).

里親の家に行きます。

I am going to the foster parent's house.

里親 (possessive) + の (particle) + 家 (house).

里親募集中です。

Foster parents wanted.

里親 (noun) + 募集中 (recruiting/seeking).

私は里親を知っています。

I know the foster parent.

里親 (object) + を (particle) + 知っています (verb: to know).

里親に会いたいです。

I want to meet the foster parent.

里親 (target) + に (particle) + 会いたいです (verb: want to meet).

彼女は猫の里親を見つけました。

She found a foster parent for the cat.

里親 (object) + を (particle) + 見つけました (verb: found).

里親になるのは大変ですか？

Is it difficult to become a foster parent?

里親になる (to become a foster parent) + の (nominalizer) + は (particle).

里親家庭で育ちました。

I grew up in a foster family.

里親家庭 (foster family) + で (particle: in/at).

新しい里親が決まりました。

A new foster parent has been decided.

里親 (subject) + が (particle) + 決まりました (verb: was decided).

里親は子供を大切にします。

Foster parents cherish children.

里親 (subject) + は (particle) + 子供を (object) + 大切にします (verb: cherish).

里親についての本を読みました。

I read a book about foster parents.

里親 + についての (about) + 本 (book).

里親になりたい人が増えています。

The number of people who want to become foster parents is increasing.

里親になりたい人 (people who want to become foster parents) + が (particle).

里親のサポートが必要です。

Support for foster parents is necessary.

里親の (possessive) + サポート (support) + が (particle).

里親制度を利用して、子供を迎えました。

We welcomed a child by using the foster parent system.

里親制度 (foster system) + を利用して (using).

里親としての責任を感じています。

I feel the responsibility of being a foster parent.

里親として (as a foster parent) + の (particle) + 責任 (responsibility).

自治体が里親を募集するイベントを開いた。

The local government held an event to recruit foster parents.

里親を募集する (to recruit foster parents) + イベント (event).

里親と里子の絆を深めることが大切だ。

It is important to deepen the bond between foster parents and foster children.

里親と里子 (foster parent and child) + の (particle) + 絆 (bond).

彼は里親のもとで、元気に育った。

He grew up healthily under the care of foster parents.

里親のもとで (under the care/guidance of foster parents).

里親になるための条件を調べました。

I looked up the requirements to become a foster parent.

里親になるための (for the purpose of becoming) + 条件 (conditions/requirements).

里親の経験談を聞く機会があった。

I had an opportunity to hear the experiences of foster parents.

里親の経験談 (experience stories of foster parents).

里親制度の普及には、まだ課題が多い。

There are still many challenges in spreading the foster parent system.

里親制度の普及 (spread of the system) + 課題 (challenges).

厚生労働省は里親委託率の向上を目指している。

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare aims to improve the foster care placement rate.

里親委託率 (foster placement rate) + の (particle) + 向上 (improvement).

里親は、子供の心理的なケアも担わなければならない。

Foster parents must also take on the psychological care of the child.

心理的なケア (psychological care) + も (also) + 担わなければならない (must undertake).

里親と養親の違いを明確に理解しておく必要がある。

It is necessary to clearly understand the difference between foster parents and adoptive parents.

違い (difference) + を (particle) + 明確に (clearly) + 理解する (understand).

里親家庭への経済的な支援が拡充された。

Economic support for foster families has been expanded.

里親家庭への (to foster families) + 支援 (support) + が (particle) + 拡充された (was expanded).

専門里親は、虐待を受けた子供などのケアを専門に行う。

Specialized foster parents specifically care for children who have been abused.

専門里親 (specialized foster parent) + を (particle) + 専門に行う (specifically perform).

里親委託が解除される際の子供への影響が懸念される。

There are concerns about the impact on the child when foster placement is terminated.

里親委託 (foster placement) + が (particle) + 解除される (terminated).

地域社会全体で里親を支える仕組み作りが求められている。

The creation of a system to support foster parents by the whole community is being sought.

地域社会全体で (by the whole local society) + 支える (support) + 仕組み (system/mechanism).

里親登録をするためには、厳しい審査をパスしなければならない。

In order to register as a foster parent, one must pass a strict screening.

里親登録 (foster registration) + をするために (in order to) + 厳しい審査 (strict screening).

里親制度の歴史を紐解くと、共同体による育児の変遷が見て取れる。

Unraveling the history of the foster parent system reveals the transitions in communal childcare.

歴史を紐解く (to unravel history) + 変遷 (transitions/changes).

里親は、実親との交流を維持しつつ、子供に安定した環境を提供する役割を担う。

Foster parents play the role of providing a stable environment for the child while maintaining contact with the biological parents.

実親 (biological parent) + との (with) + 交流 (exchange/contact) + を (particle) + 維持しつつ (while maintaining).

里親委託の長期化に伴い、養子縁組への移行を検討するケースが増加している。

As foster placements become long-term, cases of considering a transition to adoption are increasing.

長期化に伴い (along with the prolongation) + 移行 (transition).

里親に対する社会的偏見を払拭するための啓発活動が継続されている。

Awareness activities to wipe out social prejudice against foster parents are being continued.

社会的偏見 (social prejudice) + を (particle) + 払拭する (wipe out/dispel).

里親のバーンアウトを防ぐため、レスパイトケアの重要性が叫ばれている。

To prevent foster parent burnout, the importance of respite care is being emphasized.

バーンアウト (burnout) + を (particle) + 防ぐため (in order to prevent).

里親制度は、児童福祉法に基づいて厳格に運用されている。

The foster parent system is strictly operated based on the Child Welfare Act.

児童福祉法 (Child Welfare Act) + に基づいて (based on).

里親と実親の法的権利の葛藤は、司法の場でもしばしば争点となる。

Conflicts between the legal rights of foster parents and biological parents often become points of contention in court.

法的権利 (legal rights) + の (particle) + 葛藤 (conflict/struggle).

里親委託におけるマッチングのプロセスは、子供の最善の利益を最優先すべきだ。

The matching process in foster placement should prioritize the best interests of the child.

子供の最善の利益 (best interests of the child) + を (particle) + 最優先すべき (should prioritize most).

里親という概念は、血縁主義が根強い日本社会において、家族の定義を再考させる。

The concept of 'satooya' prompts a reconsideration of the definition of family in Japanese society, where blood ties remain strong.

血縁主義 (blood-tie ideology) + が (particle) + 根強い (deep-rooted).

里親委託制度の形骸化を防ぎ、実効性を担保するためには、包括的な支援体制が不可欠である。

In order to prevent the foster placement system from becoming a mere formality and to ensure its effectiveness, a comprehensive support system is essential.

形骸化 (becoming a mere shell/formalization) + 実効性を担保する (ensure effectiveness).

里親の葛藤は、単なる育児の苦労に留まらず、アイデンティティの揺らぎや社会的な役割期待との乖離に起因することも多い。

The struggles of foster parents often stem not just from parenting difficulties, but from fluctuations in identity and divergence from societal role expectations.

乖離 (divergence/gap) + に (particle) + 起因する (to stem from/be caused by).

里親委託における『永続性（パーマネンシー）』の確保は、子供の愛着形成において決定的な要因となる。

Ensuring 'permanency' in foster placement is a decisive factor in a child's attachment formation.

愛着形成 (attachment formation) + において (in/regarding).

里親制度のパラダイムシフトは、施設養護から家庭養護への移行という世界的潮流に呼応している。

The paradigm shift in the foster parent system responds to the global trend of transitioning from institutional care to family care.

パラダイムシフト (paradigm shift) + に (particle) + 呼応している (responding to/in harmony with).

里親が直面するスティグマは、制度的支援のみならず、草の根レベルの意識改革によってのみ解消されうる。

The stigma faced by foster parents can only be resolved through grassroots awareness reform, not just institutional support.

スティグマ (stigma) + 草の根レベル (grassroots level).

里親という呼称に含まれる『里』の多義性は、日本独自の共同体意識と近代的な個の在り方の交錯を象徴している。

The ambiguity of 'Sato' in the term 'Satooya' symbolizes the intersection of Japan's unique community consciousness and the modern state of the individual.

多義性 (ambiguity/polysemy) + 交錯 (intersection/intermingling).

里親委託解除後のアフターケアの欠如は、若者の社会的孤立を招く深刻なリスクを孕んでいる。

The lack of aftercare after foster placement is terminated carries a serious risk of leading to social isolation for young people.

アフターケア (aftercare) + 孕んでいる (to be pregnant with/contain/carry).

자주 쓰는 조합

里親になる

里親を探す

里親制度

里親家庭

里親募集

里親委託

里親登録

里親支援

専門里親

養育里親

자주 쓰는 구문

里親募集中

— Currently looking for foster parents or adopters. Very common in pet shops and shelters.

「里親募集中」のポスターが貼ってある。

里親に出す

— To put a child or animal up for fostering or adoption.

事情があって、猫を里親に出した。

里親に引き取られる

— To be taken in or adopted by a foster parent.

その子は温かい里親に引き取られた。

里親として育てる

— To raise (a child/pet) in the capacity of a foster parent.

里親として、責任を持って育てる。

里親の元へ

— To the home or care of a foster parent.

子供は新しい里親の元へ向かった。

里親希望者

— A person who wishes or applies to become a foster parent.

里親希望者が説明会に集まった。

里親サロン

— A support group or meeting place for foster parents to share experiences.

里親サロンで悩みを相談する。

里親手当

— The allowance or subsidy provided by the government to foster parents.

里親手当だけで生活するのは難しい。

里親月間

— Foster Parent Month (October in Japan).

里親月間に合わせてイベントが行われる。

里親マッチング

— The process of pairing a child or pet with the right foster parent.

里親マッチングには時間がかかる。

자주 혼동되는 단어

里親 vs 養父母

Youshibo refers to legal adoptive parents, whereas satooya is primarily for foster care.

里親 vs 義父母

Gifubo refers to step-parents or parents-in-law, not foster parents.

里親 vs 保護者

Hogosha is any legal guardian, including biological parents.

관용어 및 표현

"里親の情"

— The deep, non-biological affection a foster parent feels for their ward.

血は繋がっていなくても、里親の情は深い。

Literary

"里親の恩"

— The debt of gratitude a foster child feels toward those who raised them.

彼は里親の恩を一生忘れないだろう。

Neutral

"里親の苦労、子知らず"

— A variation of 'parents' hardships, unknown to the child,' specifically for foster situations.

里親の苦労、子知らずで、彼は反抗期だ。

Informal

"里を頼む"

— Historically, to ask a village or foster family to take care of one's child.

武士は戦に行く前、里を頼んだ。

Archaic

"第二の親"

— A 'second parent.' Often used to describe foster parents warmly.

里親は、私にとって第二の親です。

Warm/Casual

"縁の親"

— A parent connected by fate or karma rather than blood.

里親との出会いは、まさに縁の親だ。

Poetic

"仮の親"

— A 'temporary parent.' Can be used for foster parents, though sometimes sounds a bit cold.

制度上は仮の親だが、愛情は本物だ。

Formal

"育ての恩は生みの恩より重い"

— The debt to the person who raised you is heavier than to the person who gave birth to you.

里親を大切にする彼は、育ての恩は生みの恩より重いと考えている。

Proverbial

"里心（さとごころ）がつく"

— To feel homesick for one's original home (sometimes used when a child misses their foster home).

新しい家でも里心がついてしまった。

Neutral

"親の心、子知らず"

— A parent's love is never fully understood by the child (frequently used in foster contexts).

里親がどれだけ心配しているか、親の心、子知らずだ。

Common

혼동하기 쉬운

里親 vs 養親 (Youshin)

Both involve raising non-biological children.

Satooya is a foster parent (often temporary/state-monitored). Youshin is an adoptive parent (permanent legal status).

里親から養親になる人もいます。

里親 vs 育ての親 (Sodate no oya)

Both mean 'the parent who raised someone.'

Sodate no oya is an emotional/general term. Satooya is a specific legal/systemic role.

彼は里親だが、本当の育ての親だと思っている。

里親 vs 飼い主 (Kainushi)

Both are used for people with pets.

Kainushi is a general 'owner.' Satooya implies the pet was rescued or adopted from a shelter.

里親として猫を迎え、今では立派な飼い主だ。

里親 vs 後見人 (Koukennin)

Both are legal guardians.

Koukennin is a legal term for someone who manages another's affairs (often financial). Satooya is focused on daily upbringing.

伯父が後見人だが、生活は里親と共にある。

里親 vs 義理の親 (Giri no oya)

Both are 'non-biological parents.'

Giri no oya usually refers to parents-in-law or step-parents via marriage. Satooya is via the welfare system.

義理の親との関係と、里親との関係は別だ。

문장 패턴

[Animal] の里親です。

猫の里親です。

[Person] は里親になりたいです。

田中さんは里親になりたいです。

里親制度を利用して [Action]。

里親制度を利用して子供を引き取った。

里親としての [Noun]。

里親としての覚悟が必要です。

里親に [Child] を委託する。

児童を里親に委託する。

里親家庭への [Support]。

里親家庭への支援を強化する。

里親委託率が [Change]。

里親委託率が近年上昇している。

里親という在り方が [Impact]。

里親という在り方が家族像を問い直す。

어휘 가족

명사

里子 (Satogo - Foster child)

里親会 (Satooyakai - Foster parent association)

里親制度 (Satooya seido - Foster system)

동사

里親になる (Satooya ni naru - To become a foster parent)

里親に出す (Satooya ni dasu - To put up for fostering)

사용법

frequency

Common in social welfare, news, and animal rescue.

자주 하는 실수

Using 里親 for biological parents. → 実親 (Jitsunshin) or 生みの親 (Umi no oya).
Satooya specifically refers to non-biological parents within the foster system.
Saying 里親をなる. → 里親になる.
The verb 'naru' (to become) always takes the particle 'ni'.
Using 里親 for a babysitter. → ベビーシッター or 預かり人.
Satooya is a formal role, not a temporary service like babysitting.
Reading the kanji as 'Rioya'. → Satooya.
This compound uses the Kun-reading for both characters.
Confusing 里親 with 義父母 (Step-parents). → 里親 is foster; 義父母 is step/in-law.
Step-parents are related by marriage; foster parents are related by social welfare placement.

팁

Learn the Kanji

Mastering '里' (village) and '親' (parent) helps you remember the meaning intuitively. It’s the 'village parent' who steps in for the community.

Pet Adoption

If you are looking for a pet in Japan, search for '里親募集' (Satooya boshuu) online to find rescue organizations.

Particle Precision

Always use 'に' with 'なる' (become). '里親になる' is the set phrase you will use most often.

Social Context

Understand that 'satooya' is part of a growing social movement in Japan to move away from orphanages and toward family-based care.

Pitch Accent

Listen for the 'Heiban' (flat) pitch accent. The word flows evenly, making it sound neutral and professional.

News Keywords

Look for '里親委託率' (placement rate) in news about Japan's demographic or social challenges.

Politeness

Add 'さん' (里親さん) when talking about someone else's foster parents to show respect for their role.

Temporary vs Permanent

Remember that 'satooya' implies a system, while 'youshin' implies a final legal state of adoption.

Visual Aid

Picture a 'Village' (里) heart surrounding a 'Parent' (親). This helps bridge the historical and modern meanings.

Be Mindful

When discussing children, use the term professionally. In personal settings, focus on the relationship rather than the legal label.

암기하기

기억법

Think of a 'Sato' (Village) coming together to be a 'Parent' (Oya). The village parent = Satooya.

시각적 연상

Imagine a small Japanese village (里) and two parents (親) standing in front of a house, welcoming a new child or a puppy.

Word Web

里 (Village) 親 (Parent) 子供 (Child) 犬 (Dog) 猫 (Cat) 家族 (Family) 家 (Home) 愛 (Love)

챌린지

Try to find a Japanese animal rescue website and look for the word '里親'. See how many times they use it in one page!

어원

The term originates from the traditional Japanese 'Sato' (village) community structure. In pre-modern Japan, if a family could not care for a child, the 'Sato' would take collective responsibility. This often meant placing the child with a family in the village who acted as the 'village parents.'

원래 의미: A parent provided by the community or village to raise a child who was not their own.

Japanese (Sino-Japanese compound using Kun-readings).

문화적 맥락

When talking about human satooya, be aware that the child's background might be sensitive. Avoid prying into why the child is in foster care.

While 'foster parent' is a direct translation, 'satooya' is also used for what English speakers would call 'pet adoption.' In English, we rarely say 'foster parent' for a pet we intend to keep forever.

The drama 'Ashita, Mama ga Inai' (Tomorrow, Mom won't be here). The movie 'Shoplifters' (Manbiki Kazoku) touches on themes of non-biological family. The anime 'Spy x Family' features a non-traditional family structure that resonates with foster themes.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Animal Shelter

里親募集中
里親になりたい
譲渡条件
トライアル期間

Government Office

里親登録
児童相談所
委託率
里親手当

School

保護者
家庭環境
里親家庭
連絡帳

News/Media

里親不足
制度の改革
普及活動
里親の輪

Personal Story

育ての親
恩返し
血の繋がり
新しい家族

대화 시작하기

"里親制度について、どう思いますか？"

"ペットを飼うなら、里親募集から探しますか？"

"日本での里親普及には、何が必要だと思いますか？"

"里親と養親の違いを知っていますか？"

"知り合いに里親をしている人はいますか？"

일기 주제

もし自分が里親になるとしたら、どんな準備をしますか？

「血の繋がり」と「育ての恩」、どちらが大切だと思いますか？

里親募集のポスターを見た時の気持ちを書いてください。

日本の里親制度が直面している課題について考察してください。

ペットの里親になることの責任について自分の考えを述べてください。

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Yes, single individuals can become foster parents (satooya) in Japan, although the screening process is rigorous to ensure they have a sufficient support network. The focus is on the welfare and stability of the child.

Fostering (satooya) is often temporary and the biological parents may still have legal rights. Adoption (youshi engumi) is a permanent legal transfer of parental rights.

It reflects the traditional Japanese view that raising a child is a communal responsibility of the village or hometown, rather than just the individual family.

Yes, it is used for any rescued animal, including cats, dogs, rabbits, and even birds. It's the standard term for pet adoption.

Foster parents receive a monthly allowance (satooya teate) and expenses for the child's care, but it is not considered a 'salary' for profit.

It usually takes several months to a year, involving training, interviews, and home visits by the child consultation center.

They are parents trained to care for children with specific needs, such as those with disabilities or those who have suffered severe trauma.

It is common when discussing social issues or pets, but in daily life, people might just say 'mother' or 'father' when referring to the person.

Yes, foreigners with stable residency status can apply to be foster parents, provided they meet the language and environmental requirements.

Satogo is the counterpart to satooya, meaning the foster child who is being cared for.

무료 가입하고 팁과 노트 보기