An 'itoko' is the child of your aunt or uncle, representing a close relative of the same generation.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to the child of one's aunt or uncle.
- Used to describe a relative with the same grandparents.
- Commonly written in hiragana or katakana in daily life.
Overview
- 1概要：いとこは、日本語で「従兄弟（男性）」や「従姉妹（女性）」と漢字で書くこともありますが、ひらがなやカタカナで表記されるのが一般的です。血縁関係にある親戚の中でも、自分と年齢が近いことが多く、幼い頃から一緒に遊ぶ機会も多いため、親しみのある存在として扱われます。
- 1使用パターン：日常会話では「私のいとこ」のように所有格を伴って使われることが多いです。また、親しい間柄であれば「いとこの〇〇ちゃん」のように名前で呼ぶこともあります。ビジネスの場ではあまり使われませんが、自己紹介や家族の話をする際には「いとこが〇〇に住んでいます」といった形で自然に使われます。
一般的な文脈：親戚の集まり（お正月や法事など）で話題に上がることが多いです。また、最近ではSNSなどで「いとこと旅行に行きました」といった報告をすることも一般的です。
- 1類語との比較：『親戚（しんせき）』はより広い範囲（叔父、叔母、祖父母など）を指す言葉です。一方、『いとこ』は特定の世代の親戚を指す限定的な言葉です。また、兄弟姉妹（きょうだいしまい）は同じ両親から生まれた人を指すため、いとことは明確に区別されます。
Examples
私には、いとこが3人います。
everydayI have three cousins.
いとこの結婚式に出席するために帰省します。
formalI am going back home to attend my cousin's wedding.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
いとこ同士
between cousins
Often Confused With
Refers to siblings (brothers and sisters). It is a much closer family tie than a cousin.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word 'itoko' is neutral in register. It is used in casual conversation and slightly more formal settings when discussing family. It is not used as a term of address; you would use their name instead.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 'itoko' with 'kyodai' (siblings). Also, avoid using the complex kanji forms in casual text messages, as it can look overly stiff or formal.
Tips
Use hiragana for general writing
While kanji exists, it is complex and often avoided. Using 'いとこ' is perfectly natural in all contexts.
Do not confuse with siblings
Remember that 'itoko' is never your own sibling. Misusing these terms can cause confusion about your family structure.
Family gatherings
In Japan, cousins often meet during 'Obon' or New Year holidays. These are the most common times to talk about your 'itoko'.
Word Origin
The word originates from the Japanese concept of blood relations. The kanji '従' implies 'following' or 'secondary' lineage from the main family line.
Cultural Context
Cousins in Japan often maintain a friendly, peer-like relationship. They are considered close relatives but are distinct from immediate family members living in the same household.
Memory Tip
Think of 'itoko' as 'I-to-go' (I go play with my cousin). This helps associate the word with the action of playing together.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions男性なら「従兄弟」、女性なら「従姉妹」と書きます。しかし、日常的にはひらがなの「いとこ」と書くのが最も一般的で無難です。
基本的には家族と同じようにタメ口（カジュアルな表現）で話します。ただし、年齢がかなり離れていたり、あまり会ったことがない場合は、丁寧語を使うこともあります。
「はとこ」は、親のいとこの子供、あるいは祖父母の兄弟姉妹の孫を指します。いとこよりもさらに遠い親戚関係になります。
Test Yourself
夏休みに、私の___と海へ行きました。
文脈から親戚関係を指す言葉が適切です。
Score: /1
Summary
An 'itoko' is the child of your aunt or uncle, representing a close relative of the same generation.
- Refers to the child of one's aunt or uncle.
- Used to describe a relative with the same grandparents.
- Commonly written in hiragana or katakana in daily life.
Use hiragana for general writing
While kanji exists, it is complex and often avoided. Using 'いとこ' is perfectly natural in all contexts.
Do not confuse with siblings
Remember that 'itoko' is never your own sibling. Misusing these terms can cause confusion about your family structure.
Family gatherings
In Japan, cousins often meet during 'Obon' or New Year holidays. These are the most common times to talk about your 'itoko'.
Examples
2 of 2私には、いとこが3人います。
I have three cousins.
いとこの結婚式に出席するために帰省します。
I am going back home to attend my cousin's wedding.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More family words
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〜くらい
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知人
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顔見知り
A2Acquaintance; someone you know by sight.
活発な
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甘える
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思春期
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養子
B1Adopted child; a child taken into one's family by legal means.
養親
B2Adoptive parent.
