When talking about your family in Japanese, there are a few ways to do it. You might already know かぞく (kazoku) or ごかぞく (gokazoku), which are common ways to say "family."
However, when you want to specifically talk about your relatives in a more formal way, you can use しんぞく (shinzoku). Think of it like saying "relatives" or "kin" in English.
You'll often see this word used in official documents or when discussing family in a broader, more general sense, especially when you're referring to people beyond your immediate household.
So, while かぞく is great for your immediate family, しんぞく is the word you'll want to use for the wider circle of your relatives, like aunts, uncles, and cousins.
When talking about your relatives in Japanese, you'll often hear the word 家族 (kazoku), which means 'family'. However, 家族 usually refers to your immediate family members like your parents, siblings, and children. When you want to talk about a broader group of relatives, including aunts, uncles, cousins, and more distant relations, you use the word 親族 (shinzoku).
So, if you're discussing a family gathering that includes your extended family, you would use 親族 to describe those relatives. It's a more formal term than 家族 and is useful for clearly distinguishing between your immediate family and your wider kinship group.
When talking about your relatives in Japanese, you'll usually hear 家族 (kazoku) or 親戚 (shinseki). However, there's another word, 親族 (shinzoku), which is more formal. This word is often used in official documents, legal contexts, or when referring to a broader, more extended family group, sometimes even including in-laws. While 家族 focuses on your immediate household and 親戚 is a general term for relatives, 親族 carries a sense of formality and a wider scope of familial connections.
When talking about your relatives in Japanese, you'll most often hear the word 家族 (kazoku). But when you want to use a more formal term, 親族 (shinzoku) is the right choice. Think of it like the difference between saying "my family" and "my kin" or "my relatives" in English. 親族 is particularly useful in official settings, like legal documents or formal introductions.
It encompasses a broader group than just your immediate family, including aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws. While 家族 generally refers to those you live with or your immediate blood relatives, 親族 extends to all those connected by blood or marriage. So, if you're filling out a form that asks for information about your relatives, 親族 would be the appropriate term to consider.
If you're learning Japanese, you've probably come across several words for 'family' or 'relatives.' While words like 家族 (kazoku) are common in everyday conversation, 親族 (shinzoku) is another important term to know, especially when dealing with more formal situations. Let's break down when and how to use it.
§ What does 親族 mean?
- Japanese Word
- 親族 (しんぞく)
- Meaning
- Relatives (formal)
- CEFR Level
- B1
Essentially, 親族 refers to your relatives, but it carries a more formal or official nuance than 家族. Think of it as 'kin' or 'next of kin' in English. It's often used in legal contexts, official documents, or when discussing family relationships in a more detached or objective way.
§ Where you actually hear this word — work, school, news
You're less likely to use 親族 in a casual chat with friends about your grandma. Instead, you'll encounter it in specific situations:
- Official forms and documents: When filling out paperwork for things like marriage, inheritance, or even some job applications, you might see sections asking for information about your 親族。
- News reports: When reporting on incidents involving family members (e.g., accidents, crimes), the news often uses 親族 to refer to the affected relatives.
- Formal speeches or presentations: If someone is giving a speech about family history or lineage in a formal setting, they might use 親族.
- Legal and medical contexts: In discussions about wills, guardianship, or medical emergencies, 親族 is the appropriate term for relatives.
§ Examples of 親族 in use
Let's look at some practical examples to help you understand the context.
彼の葬儀には多くの親族が参列した。
Kare no sōgi ni wa ōku no shinzoku ga sanretsu shita.
Hint: Many relatives attended his funeral.
事件後、容疑者の親族が謝罪した。
Jiken-go, yōgisha no shinzoku ga shazai shita.
Hint: After the incident, the suspect's relatives apologized.
緊急連絡先として、親族の情報を記入してください。
Kinkyū renraku-saki to shite, shinzoku no jōhō o kinyū shite kudasai.
Hint: Please fill in your relatives' information as an emergency contact.
彼女の遺産は、彼女の親族に分配されることになった。
Kanojo no isan wa, kanojo no shinzoku ni bunpai sareru koto ni natta.
Hint: Her inheritance was distributed among her relatives.
§ 親族 vs. 家族: What's the difference?
It's easy to get these two terms confused, but remember the key distinction:
- 家族 (kazoku): This is the everyday word for 'family.' It usually refers to your immediate family (parents, siblings, children) and can extend to close relatives you have a warm, personal relationship with. It's used in casual conversation.
- 親族 (shinzoku): This is a more formal and broader term for 'relatives.' It encompasses a wider range of kin, often including distant relatives, and is used in official, legal, or more detached contexts.
§ Practical takeaway
Don't force 親族 into casual conversations. Stick to 家族 for everyday talk about your family. When you're dealing with official matters, reading the news, or encountering formal Japanese, that's when 親族 will appear. Recognizing this distinction will make your Japanese sound more natural and appropriate for the situation.
§ 親族 (shinzoku): Relatives (Formal)
When learning Japanese, understanding the nuances between similar words is crucial. 親族 (shinzoku) is one of those words that can cause confusion. While it translates to 'relatives' in English, its usage is quite specific and often formal. Let's break down some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
§ Mistake 1: Using 親族 in casual conversation
One of the biggest errors learners make is using 親族 in everyday, casual speech. 親族 carries a formal, often legal or administrative tone. It's not the word you'd typically use when talking about your family over dinner with friends.
Instead of 親族, in casual settings, you'd more commonly hear words like 家族 (kazoku) for immediate family, or 親戚 (shinseki) for a broader sense of relatives.
- Bad Example
- 週末は親族とBBQに行ったよ！ (Shūmatsu wa shinzoku to BBQ ni itta yo!) - I went to a BBQ with my relatives on the weekend!
While grammatically correct, this sounds unnatural. A native speaker would likely use 親戚 here.
- Good Example (Casual)
- 週末は親戚とBBQに行ったよ！ (Shūmatsu wa shinseki to BBQ ni itta yo!) - I went to a BBQ with my relatives on the weekend!
§ Mistake 2: Confusing 親族 with 家族 (kazoku)
親族 refers to a broader group of blood relatives, including extended family. 家族, on the other hand, specifically refers to one's immediate family (parents, siblings, spouse, children).
- Bad Example
- 私の親族は4人です。 (Watashi no shinzoku wa yo-nin desu.) - My relatives are four people. (Intending to say 'My family is four people.')
This would imply you have only four relatives in your entire extended family, which is unlikely and sounds odd.
- Good Example
- 私の家族は4人です。 (Watashi no kazoku wa yo-nin desu.) - My family is four people.
§ Mistake 3: Overusing 親族 in formal contexts where 親戚 might be more appropriate
While 親族 is formal, there are still degrees of formality. 親戚 (shinseki) can also be used in formal contexts but is slightly less rigid than 親族. Think of 親族 as the most official term for 'relatives' you'll encounter.
- When to use 親族
- You'll see 親族 used in contexts like:
- Registration forms asking for 'next of kin' or 'family members.'
- Legal documents related to inheritance or family registries (戸籍 - koseki).
- Formal announcements, especially those regarding deaths or formal family gatherings where specific relationships are paramount.
緊急連絡先は、親族の方をご記入ください。(Kinkyū renrakusaki wa, shinzoku no kata o gokinyū kudasai.) - For emergency contact, please fill in your relatives' information.
故人の親族が集まり、葬儀の準備を進めた。(Kojin no shinzoku ga atsumari, sōgi no junbi o susumeta.) - The relatives of the deceased gathered and proceeded with funeral preparations.
§ Summary: Key Differences
To recap, here's a quick guide:
- 家族 (kazoku): Immediate family (parents, children, siblings, spouse). Used in all contexts.
- 親戚 (shinseki): Extended family/relatives. Used in casual to formal contexts, broader than 家族.
- 親族 (shinzoku): Formal and official term for relatives, often used in legal, administrative, or very respectful situations.
By keeping these distinctions in mind, you can avoid common pitfalls and use 親族 more accurately in your Japanese communication.
Curiosidade
The character 親 (shin) means 'parent' or 'intimacy,' and 族 (zoku) means 'tribe' or 'family.' Together, they form 'relatives.'
Guia de pronúncia
- Mispronouncing the 'u' at the end; it's often devoiced and subtle.
Exemplos por nível
親族が集まるイベントは、いつも楽しいです。
Events where relatives gather are always fun.
彼女は遠い親族の一人です。
She is one of my distant relatives.
結婚式には多くの親族が出席しました。
Many relatives attended the wedding.
親族関係が複雑で、理解するのが難しい。
The family relations are complicated and hard to understand.
彼の親族は皆、医者です。
All his relatives are doctors.
法事のために親族が本家に戻ってきました。
Relatives returned to the main family house for the memorial service.
私たちは親族間のつながりを大切にしています。
We value the connections among relatives.
そのニュースは親族全員に衝撃を与えました。
That news shocked all the relatives.
親族が集まる旧盆には、いつも賑やかです。
During Obon, when relatives gather, it's always lively.
彼女は彼の親族に初めて会うので、少し緊張しています。
She's a bit nervous because she's meeting his relatives for the first time.
相続問題で親族間で意見が対立しています。
There's a conflict of opinion among relatives regarding inheritance issues.
彼の親族は皆、温かく私を迎え入れてくれました。
All his relatives warmly welcomed me.
遠方に住む親族とは、なかなか会う機会がありません。
I don't often get the chance to meet relatives living far away.
結婚式には、たくさんの親族が列席しました。
Many relatives attended the wedding ceremony.
彼は親族経営の会社で働いています。
He works at a company run by his relatives.
その事件は、親族の間に深い亀裂を残しました。
The incident left a deep rift among the relatives.
Colocações comuns
Frases Comuns
親族を大切にする。
Value your relatives.
親族と連絡を取り合う。
Keep in touch with relatives.
親族の集まりに参加する。
Attend family gatherings.
親族に助けを求める。
Ask relatives for help.
親族の絆は強い。
Family ties are strong.
彼は私の親族です。
He is my relative.
親族の意見を聞く。
Listen to relatives' opinions.
親族間で争いがある。
There is a dispute among relatives.
親族に不幸があった。
There was a misfortune in the family.
親族関係を築く。
Build family relationships.
Frequentemente confundido com
Immediate family, emotional closeness, household unit.
General term for relatives, less formal than 親族.
One's own people, inner circle, can include non-blood relations in some contexts, informal.
Fácil de confundir
Often confused with other words for 'family' or 'relatives' due to subtle differences in nuance and formality. It's a more formal term.
Refers to a wider group of relatives, including those outside the immediate family, and is generally used in formal contexts like legal documents or official discussions about lineage. It emphasizes the legal or social connection rather than emotional closeness.
彼の親族は皆、結婚式に招待された。(かれのしんぞくはみな、けっこんしきにしょうたいされた。- All his relatives were invited to the wedding.)
This is the most common word for 'family' and can sometimes be used interchangeably with 'relatives' in casual speech, leading to confusion about its scope.
Typically refers to one's immediate family (parents, siblings, children, spouse). It emphasizes emotional closeness and the household unit.
私の家族は4人です。(わたしのかぞくはよにんです。- My family has four people.)
Similar to 'family' or 'relatives,' but with a specific nuance that can be tricky for learners.
Refers to one's own people, often implying a sense of belonging or inner circle. It can include immediate family and close relatives, but also people who are like family, such as close colleagues or friends, depending on context. It's more informal than 親族.
これは身内だけの話です。(これはみうちだけのはなしです。- This is a private conversation for our inner circle/family.)
Very similar to 親族, making it hard to distinguish when to use which.
Also means 'relatives,' but it's a more common and slightly less formal term than 親族. It generally refers to relatives by blood or marriage, encompassing a broader group than just the immediate family, but perhaps not as formal or legally focused as 親族.
週末は親戚の家を訪ねました。(しゅうまつはしんせきのいえをたずねました。- I visited my relatives' house on the weekend.)
Literally means 'blood relative,' which might seem redundant or overly specific when other terms for relatives exist.
Specifically emphasizes a blood relationship. It's often used in legal or medical contexts where biological connection is important. It doesn't include relatives by marriage.
DNA検査で血縁者であることが確認された。(DNAけんさでけつえんしゃであることがかくにんされた。- It was confirmed by DNA testing that they were blood relatives.)
Origem da palavra
From Middle Chinese 親族 (tshin tsuwk)
Significado original: family, relatives
Sino-JapaneseContexto cultural
When talking about 'relatives' in a more formal or official context, such as in legal documents or formal introductions, 親族 (shinzoku) is the appropriate term. It implies a broader and more established connection than the more common word for family, 家族 (kazoku).
Pratique na vida real
Contextos reais
Family gatherings
- 親族が集まる (shinzoku ga atsumaru): Relatives gather.
- 親族の集まり (shinzoku no atsumari): Family gathering.
- 親族に会う (shinzoku ni au): Meet relatives.
Formal introductions
- 私の親族です (watashi no shinzoku desu): These are my relatives (formal).
- こちらは親族の[名前]です (kochira wa shinzoku no [namae] desu): This is my relative [Name].
Legal or official documents
- 親族関係 (shinzoku kankei): Family relationship.
- 親族構成 (shinzoku kōsei): Family structure/composition.
- 親族代表 (shinzoku daihyō): Family representative.
Discussing family history
- 親族の歴史 (shinzoku no rekishi): Family history.
- 親族について話す (shinzoku ni tsuite hanasu): Talk about relatives.
Weddings or funerals
- 親族席 (shinzoku seki): Relatives' seating (at events).
- 親族一同 (shinzoku ichidō): All relatives (used in formal announcements).
Iniciadores de conversa
"ご親族はどちらにいらっしゃいますか？ (Go-shinzoku wa dochira ni irasshaimasu ka?): Where do your relatives live?"
"親族の方とはよく会われますか？ (Shinzoku no kata to wa yoku awareru kadesu ka?): Do you often meet with your relatives?"
"お正月は親族と過ごしますか？ (Oshōgatsu wa shinzoku to sugoshimasu ka?): Do you spend New Year's with your relatives?"
"ご親族の中で、特に仲の良い方はいますか？ (Go-shinzoku no naka de, tokuni naka no yoi kata wa imasu ka?): Among your relatives, is there anyone you're particularly close to?"
"親族の集まりは頻繁にありますか？ (Shinzoku no atsumari wa hinpan ni arimasu ka?): Do you have family gatherings frequently?"
Temas para diário
あなたの親族について説明してください。(Anata no shinzoku ni tsuite setsumei shite kudasai.): Describe your relatives.
親族との一番古い思い出は何ですか？ (Shinzoku to no ichiban furui omoide wa nan desu ka?): What is your oldest memory with relatives?
もし親族の誰かに感謝の気持ちを伝えるとしたら、誰に何を伝えますか？ (Moshi shinzoku no dareka ni kansha no kimochi o tsutaeru to shitara, dare ni nani o tsutaemasu ka?): If you were to express gratitude to one of your relatives, who would it be and what would you say?
親族の役割とは何だと思いますか？ (Shinzoku no yakuwari to wa nan da to omoimasu ka?): What do you think the role of relatives is?
あなたが参加した親族の集まりで、最も印象に残っていることは何ですか？ (Anata ga sanka shita shinzoku no atsumari de, mottomo inshō ni nokotte iru koto wa nan desu ka?): What is the most memorable thing from a family gathering you attended?
Teste-se 42 perguntas
Is there a difference between family and relatives?
When is the relatives' gathering?
He is my distant relative.
Read this aloud:
親族は大切ですか？
Focus: しんぞく (shinzoku), たいせつ (taisetsu)
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
親族みんなで旅行に行きます。
Focus: みんな (minna), りょこう (ryokou)
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
お正月には親族が集まります。
Focus: おしょうがつ (oshougatsu), あつまります (atsumarimasu)
Você disse:
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Which of the following would best describe your '親族'?
親族 (shinzoku) refers to relatives in a more formal sense, often implying a wider family circle, including those you might not see regularly but are connected by blood or marriage, like at formal gatherings.
You are at a formal family gathering. Which word would you most likely use to refer to the assembled family members?
While 家族 (kazoku) refers to your immediate family, 親族 (shinzoku) is more appropriate for a broader group of relatives at a formal event.
Which sentence uses 親族 correctly?
親族 (shinzoku) is typically used for a collective group of relatives, especially in formal contexts like gatherings or events, rather than casual daily activities or close-knit groups.
親族 (shinzoku) can be used to refer to your immediate parents and siblings.
While 家族 (kazoku) is more common for immediate family, 親族 (shinzoku) can also encompass them as part of the broader definition of relatives.
親族 (shinzoku) is a casual way to refer to your friends.
親族 (shinzoku) specifically refers to relatives, not friends. It's also a more formal term than casual.
If you are talking about distant cousins you rarely see, 親族 (shinzoku) would be an appropriate word to use.
親族 (shinzoku) is suitable for referring to a wider circle of relatives, including those you might not interact with frequently, making it appropriate for distant cousins.
Listen for who traveled to Okinawa this summer.
Listen for what kind of gathering is always fun.
Listen for who attended his wedding.
Read this aloud:
親族の紹介をお願いします。
Focus: しんぞく (shinzoku)
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
お盆には親族が集まります。
Focus: おぼん (obon), あつまります (atsumarimasu)
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
彼女は親族関係が広いです。
Focus: かんけい (kankei), ひろい (hiroi)
Você disse:
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Choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: 彼は家族と旅行するのが好きですが、特に正月には遠い___を訪ねます。
The sentence talks about visiting distant people during New Year's, and '親族' (relatives) fits the context better than friends, colleagues, or neighbors.
Which word is the most formal way to say 'relatives'?
While all options relate to family, '親族' is the most formal term for relatives, often used in official or respectful contexts.
Select the sentence where '親族' is used correctly.
'親族' refers to a group of people, making its use in the context of attending an event like a wedding appropriate. The other options are grammatically awkward or semantically incorrect.
「親族」 can be used interchangeably with 「友達」 (friends).
「親族」 specifically refers to blood relatives or relatives by marriage, whereas 「友達」 refers to friends. They are not interchangeable.
It is common to use 「親族」 when talking about very close family members like parents or siblings in everyday conversation.
While parents and siblings are part of one's 「親族」, in everyday conversation, more direct terms like 「家族」 (family), 「両親」 (parents), or 「兄弟」 (siblings) are typically used. 「親族」 carries a more formal or encompassing tone.
You would typically use 「親族」 when discussing inheritance or legal family matters.
「親族」 is a formal term for relatives and is often used in legal, official, or formal contexts, such as discussing inheritance or family registries.
What is the speaker doing this weekend?
Who attended his wedding?
What do relatives do during Obon?
Read this aloud:
親族会議は通常、年末に行われます。
Focus: しんぞくかいぎ
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
遠方に住む親族とは年に数回しか会えません。
Focus: えんぽう、しんぞく
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
親族関係を大切にするのは日本の文化です。
Focus: しんぞくかんけい
Você disse:
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This sentence means 'Distant relatives also attended the wedding ceremony.' The particles 'には' and 'も' indicate the subject and inclusion, respectively.
This sentence means 'She is the oldest among her relatives.' 'の中で' indicates 'among' or 'in the group of'.
This sentence means 'All his relatives are doctors.' '皆' means 'all' or 'everyone'.
Choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: 彼は家族の集まりで、遠い___にも会いました。
「親族」は「親戚」よりも公式な場面で使われることが多いです。家族の集まりで遠い親戚に会う場合、この言葉が適切です。
Which word best describes a formal gathering of blood relatives?
「親族会議」は、血縁関係のある人々が集まって重要な事柄を話し合う、正式な会議を指します。
Select the sentence where 「親族」 is used most naturally.
「親族」はフォーマルな場面で使われることが多く、結婚式のような行事には自然にフィットします。日常的なカジュアルな活動にはあまり使われません。
「親族」は「家族」と同じ意味で、日常会話で頻繁に使われます。
「親族」は「家族」よりも広い範囲の血縁者を指し、よりフォーマルな場面で使われます。日常会話では「家族」や「親戚」の方が一般的です。
ある企業の経営者は、会社の重要な決定事項を親族会議で話し合いました。
会社経営において、重要な決定を親族で話し合うことはよくあります。「親族会議」は、そのようなフォーマルな話し合いの場を指すのに適切です。
「親族」という言葉は、友人関係の人々を指すことができます。
「親族」は血縁関係のある人々、つまり親戚を指す言葉であり、友人関係の人々を指すことはありません。
/ 42 correct
Perfect score!
Exemplo
結婚式には多くの親族が出席した。
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