The word 'kodomotachi' is the standard way to refer to multiple children in Japanese.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to a group of children.
- Used to emphasize plurality.
- Common in both speech and writing.
一般的な文脈：家庭内での会話、学校の先生による呼びかけ、ニュースやレポートなど、幅広い場面で使われます。特定の集団を指す際、親しみや尊重を込めて使われることが多いです。
- 1類語との比較：「子供ら」は「子どもたち」より少し硬い表現で、書き言葉や公的な文書で使われることがあります。「児童」は、主に学校教育の場や法律用語として使われる、よりフォーマルな言葉です。日常会話では「子どもたち」が最も自然です。
Examples
子どもたちが庭で遊んでいます。
everydayThe children are playing in the garden.
子どもたちへの教育が大切です。
formalEducation for children is important.
昨日、子どもたちと映画を見ました。
informalI watched a movie with the children yesterday.
子どもたちの社会性を育む。
academicTo foster social skills in children.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
子どもたちのおかげで
Thanks to the children
子どもたちのために
For the sake of the children
子どもたちの成長
Growth of children
Often Confused With
This is a slightly more formal version of 'kodomotachi'. It is often used in writing rather than daily conversation.
This is a formal term used primarily in school or legal contexts. It is not used in casual conversation.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term is neutral and appropriate for almost any situation. It is the most common way to address or describe a group of children. Avoid using it if you are unsure if they are children, though it is usually visually obvious.
Common Mistakes
Beginners sometimes forget to add 'tachi' when they mean multiple children, which can lead to ambiguity. Also, avoid using 'tachi' for non-human subjects as it is grammatically incorrect in that context.
Tips
Use 'tachi' for plural people
Adding 'tachi' to nouns representing people is the most common way to make them plural in Japanese. It makes your sentences sound more natural and specific.
Do not use 'tachi' for objects
The suffix 'tachi' is generally reserved for humans. Avoid using it for inanimate objects, as it may sound unnatural.
Children as a group focus
In Japanese culture, referring to children as a collective group 'kodomotachi' is often used in public announcements or school settings to foster a sense of community.
Word Origin
Derived from 'kodomo' (child) and the pluralizing suffix 'tachi'. 'Tachi' historically implies a collection or standing group of people.
Cultural Context
In Japan, children are often viewed as a collective group in schools and community events. Using 'kodomotachi' reflects this communal perspective.
Memory Tip
Think of 'tachi' as a 'team' suffix. Just as a team is a group, 'kodomo-tachi' is a group of children.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「子ども」は単数でも複数でも使えますが、「子どもたち」は明確に複数であることを強調します。グループとして捉える場合に「たち」を付けるのが自然です。
いいえ、全く失礼ではありません。むしろ親しみや愛情を込めて使われることが多い一般的な表現です。
一般的に、乳幼児から中学生くらいまでを指すことが多いです。高校生以上になると「生徒」や「若者」という言葉が使われることが増えます。
はい、「先生たち」「友達たち」「私たち」のように、人間を表す名詞の後に付けて複数を表現することができます。
Test Yourself
公園で___が元気に遊んでいます。
文脈から公園で遊んでいる複数の子供を指すため、「子どもたち」が最適です。
Score: /1
Summary
The word 'kodomotachi' is the standard way to refer to multiple children in Japanese.
- Refers to a group of children.
- Used to emphasize plurality.
- Common in both speech and writing.
Use 'tachi' for plural people
Adding 'tachi' to nouns representing people is the most common way to make them plural in Japanese. It makes your sentences sound more natural and specific.
Do not use 'tachi' for objects
The suffix 'tachi' is generally reserved for humans. Avoid using it for inanimate objects, as it may sound unnatural.
Children as a group focus
In Japanese culture, referring to children as a collective group 'kodomotachi' is often used in public announcements or school settings to foster a sense of community.
Examples
4 of 4子どもたちが庭で遊んでいます。
The children are playing in the garden.
子どもたちへの教育が大切です。
Education for children is important.
昨日、子どもたちと映画を見ました。
I watched a movie with the children yesterday.
子どもたちの社会性を育む。
To foster social skills in children.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More family words
還暦
B160th birthday (celebration of completing a 60-year cycle).
〜くらい
B1About; approximately; to the extent that.
認め合う
B1To recognize each other's worth; to acknowledge.
知人
B1Acquaintance.
顔見知り
A2Acquaintance; someone you know by sight.
活発な
B1Active; lively; vigorous.
甘える
B1To be spoiled, to fawn; to behave like a pampered child.
思春期
B1Adolescence; the period of transition from childhood to adulthood.
養子
B1Adopted child; a child taken into one's family by legal means.
養親
B2Adoptive parent.
