Esta página no seu idioma

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

中文

हिन्दी

B1 noun 12 min de leitura

叔父

oji

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas 叔父 em 30 segundos

Explicação 叔父 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'oji' means 'uncle.' You will mostly see it written in hiragana as おじ or おじさん. At this stage, don't worry about the different kanji like 叔父 or 伯父. Just focus on the fact that an 'oji' is a male relative who is the brother of your mom or dad. You might use it in simple sentences like 'Watashi no oji desu' (This is my uncle). You should also know that children call many middle-aged men 'ojisan,' even if they aren't related. It's a friendly way to address an adult man. Remember the pronunciation: 'o-ji' is short. If you make it long like 'o-jii,' it means 'grandfather.' That is a very important difference to practice early on!

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

At the A2 level, you start to learn about family terms used for your own family versus other people's families. You will learn that when talking about your own uncle to a teacher or a stranger, you should use 'oji' (叔父) without the '-san.' This is part of the 'humble' language system in Japan. You might also start to see the kanji 叔父 in basic reading materials. You should be able to describe your uncle's job or where he lives using simple grammar. For example, 'Oji wa Osaka ni sunde imasu' (My uncle lives in Osaka). You are also becoming aware that there are different kanji for older and younger uncles, but you mainly focus on the general meaning of the word in daily life.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

At the B1 level, you should master the distinction between 叔父 (younger uncle) and 伯父 (older uncle). You are expected to use these kanji correctly in writing, especially in formal letters or essays about your family. You should also understand the 'uchi-soto' (inside-outside) concept deeply. This means you know that 叔父 is a humble term for your own relative, and you would use おじさん or おじ様 for someone else's relative. You can handle more complex sentences, such as 'Oji ni osowatta ryouri' (The dish my uncle taught me). You also begin to recognize the word in more formal contexts, such as news reports or literary texts where family relationships are explained in detail.

At the B2 level, you use 叔父 with ease in various registers. You understand that the choice of 叔父 over 伯父 provides specific information about the family tree. You are comfortable using the word in formal business contexts, such as explaining a family emergency to a colleague or supervisor. You also recognize the cultural nuances, such as the role an uncle might play in traditional Japanese ceremonies like weddings or funerals. You can discuss the nuances of the word, such as why a character in a novel is referred to as 叔父 and what that implies about their relationship with the protagonist's parents. Your pitch accent is accurate, distinguishing clearly between oji (uncle) and ojii (grandfather).

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated understanding of the word 叔父 and its place in the Japanese linguistic landscape. You can read legal documents, such as wills or family registers (koseki), and understand the precise implications of the kanji used. You are aware of historical terms like 'Oji-ue' and when they might be used in period dramas or classical literature. You can also discuss the sociological aspects of the Japanese family system (the 'ie' system) and how terms like 叔父 reflect those values. You might even know rarer kanji variations like 季父 (kifu), another way to write 'younger uncle' in very literary or archaic contexts. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker in terms of register and context.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

At the C2 level, your mastery of 叔父 is complete. You can navigate the most complex honorific situations involving relatives of high-ranking individuals. You understand the etymological roots of the kanji 叔 and how it relates to other terms like 叔母 (aunt) or 叔季 (the end of a period). You can appreciate puns or wordplay involving kinship terms in literature or comedy. You are also familiar with regional variations and how the concept of 'uncle' has shifted in modern urban Japan compared to traditional rural settings. You can provide detailed explanations to others about the subtle differences between 叔父, 伯父, and other related terms, including their legal and social weight in Japanese society.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

叔父 em 30 segundos

叔父 (oji) refers specifically to an uncle who is the younger brother of your father or mother.
It is used as a humble term when talking about your own family member to people outside the family.
The kanji distinction (叔父 vs 伯父) is crucial in writing, though the pronunciation is the same.
Never use this kanji to refer to a stranger or someone else's uncle without polite suffixes.

The Japanese word 叔父 (おじ - oji) is a kinship term specifically used to refer to one's uncle, specifically the younger brother of one's father or mother. In the Japanese language, family terms are often divided based on seniority relative to the parent. While the English word 'uncle' covers any brother of a parent, Japanese distinguishes between an older brother (伯父) and a younger brother (叔父). This distinction is primarily a written one, as both are pronounced exactly the same way: oji. When you are writing a letter, filling out a legal document, or reading a novel, the choice of kanji provides immediate context about the family hierarchy without needing extra adjectives.

Kinship Hierarchy: In traditional Japanese society, the 'ie' (house) system placed great importance on birth order. The 叔 (shuku) kanji implies 'junior' or 'younger,' while the 伯 (haku) kanji implies 'senior' or 'chief.' Therefore, 叔父 is the 'junior father-figure.'

You will use this word when speaking about your own uncle to someone outside your family. Because Japanese culture emphasizes the distinction between 'uchi' (inside) and 'soto' (outside), you use the humble form 叔父 for your own relatives when talking to strangers. If you were addressing your uncle directly, you would typically use Oji-san, often written in hiragana (おじさん) or with the honorific suffix.

私の叔父は、父の一番下の弟です。(My uncle is my father's youngest brother.)

It is also important to note that 叔父 is a noun that carries a sense of formal distance when used in its kanji form. In casual conversation, people might just use hiragana to avoid the 叔 vs 伯 distinction if they are unsure of the age or if it doesn't matter. However, for B1 learners and above, mastering the kanji distinction is a sign of high-level literacy and cultural awareness.

Culturally, the role of the 叔父 in Japan can vary. In many families, the younger uncle is seen as a more approachable, 'fun' relative compared to the stern patriarch or the eldest brother who carries the burden of the family lineage. This nuance is sometimes reflected in literature where the 叔父 is a character who provides a different perspective from the parents.

正月に叔父からお年玉をもらった。(I received New Year's money from my uncle.)

Register and Politeness: 叔父 is used in formal writing and when introducing family members. It is not used to refer to someone else's uncle; for that, you use 'ojisan' (おじ様 or おじさん).

In summary, 叔父 is an essential term for describing family dynamics with precision. It bridges the gap between simple vocabulary and the complex social hierarchies embedded in the Japanese language. Whether you are discussing genealogy or simply telling a story about your family, using 叔父 correctly demonstrates a deep understanding of the 'younger brother' nuance.

彼は私の母の叔父にあたる人です。(He is a person who corresponds to being my mother's uncle.)

Legal Usage: In legal documents regarding inheritance (souzoku), the distinction between 叔父 and 伯父 is strictly maintained to clearly identify individuals in the family tree.

亡くなった叔父の遺産を整理する。(Organizing the estate of my deceased uncle.)

私の叔父は医者をしております。(My uncle is a doctor.)

Using 叔父 correctly requires an understanding of Japanese honorifics and social context. When you are the speaker, and you are talking about your own uncle to someone else, you use the plain form '叔父'. This is because, in Japanese culture, you 'lower' your own family members to show respect to the person you are talking to. This is the humble (kenjou) perspective. You would not add '-san' to the end of 叔父 when talking to a boss or a stranger about your own relative.

Sentence Structure: Subject + は + [Person] の + 叔父 + です。 (Subject is [Person]'s uncle.)

For example, if you are introducing your uncle at a wedding, you might say: "Kochira wa watashi no oji no [Name] desu." (This is my uncle, [Name]). Even if your uncle is much older than you and you respect him immensely, the rule of 'uchi-soto' dictates that you do not use honorifics for him when speaking to outsiders. This is a common hurdle for English speakers who are used to 'Uncle Bob' as a title of respect regardless of the listener.

昨日は叔父の家に泊まりました。(I stayed at my uncle's house yesterday.)

When describing the relationship between two other people, you can still use 叔父, but it is more common to use 'oji-san' if you are being polite. However, in biographical writing or news reports, 叔父 is used as a neutral, descriptive noun. For instance, 'The Emperor's uncle' would be written as 'Tennou no oji' using the appropriate kanji based on age relative to the Emperor's parent.

In literary contexts, you might see 叔父 followed by the name of the person, such as 'Oji-Natsume'. This is less common in modern spoken Japanese but exists in classic novels. Another frequent pattern is using 叔父 in conjunction with professions to describe a relative's background during formal introductions.

私の叔父は弁護士をしています。(My uncle is working as a lawyer.)

Possessive Usage: Use 'no' to show possession: 叔父の車 (Uncle's car), 叔父の仕事 (Uncle's job).

One nuance to be careful of is the 'relative' construction. In Japanese, you might say 'Oji ni ataru hito' (A person who is equivalent to an uncle). This is used when the relationship is slightly complex, such as a great-uncle or a distant relative who occupies that social role.

遠くに住んでいる叔父から手紙が届いた。(A letter arrived from my uncle who lives far away.)

幼い頃、叔父によく遊んでもらった。(When I was young, my uncle often played with me.)

Finally, remember that 叔父 is a noun. It cannot be used as a verb. To say 'to act like an uncle,' you would need a different construction like 'Oji-rashiku furumau'. In most B1 level contexts, you will simply use it as a subject or object to describe family relations.

父と叔父は、顔がとても似ている。(My father and my uncle look very much alike.)

You will encounter the word 叔父 in a variety of settings ranging from formal to semi-formal. One of the most common places is during family gatherings such as New Year's (Oshougatsu) or the Obon festival. While you might call out 'Oji-san!' to get his attention, when you are talking to your cousins or other relatives about him, you might refer to him as 'Oji' or use the kanji 叔父 in written invitations or family trees.

Formal Ceremonies: At weddings and funerals, seating charts and programs will strictly use 叔父 or 伯父 to denote the relationship to the bride, groom, or deceased. It is a sign of respect to the lineage.

In Japanese literature and manga, the '叔父' character is a staple. Often, this character is the 'cool' younger brother of a protagonist's parent who provides advice or a place to stay when the protagonist is at odds with their parents. Because 叔父 implies a younger age, these characters are often portrayed as more modern or liberal than the father character. Reading the kanji 叔父 in a novel immediately tells the reader that this character is the younger sibling, which might explain their personality or role in the family hierarchy.

小説の主人公は、叔父の影響で音楽を始めた。(The protagonist of the novel started music due to his uncle's influence.)

Another place you will hear this word is in news broadcasts. When a crime or a significant event involves a relative, the reporter will use the specific term 叔父 to describe the relationship. This precision is part of the journalistic standard in Japan. For example, 'The suspect's uncle (叔父) stated...' provides a clear picture of the family connection.

Legal and administrative offices are also key locations. If you are applying for a visa or dealing with inheritance in Japan, you will see 叔父 on official forms. In these contexts, accuracy is paramount. Misidentifying a 伯父 (older uncle) as a 叔父 (younger uncle) on a legal document could technically be seen as an error in the family record (koseki).

戸籍謄本を確認すると、彼は私の叔父であることがわかった。(Checking the family register, it was found that he is my uncle.)

Workplace Conversations: When taking time off for a family emergency or a funeral, you would tell your boss: '叔父の葬儀に出席します' (I will attend my uncle's funeral).

Finally, you will hear it in biographies and documentaries. When discussing the lives of famous figures like Emperor Meiji or Natsume Soseki, historians will use these specific kinship terms to detail the family influences on their lives. The word 叔父 carries a weight of history and formal relationship that the simple spoken 'ojisan' lacks.

有名な作家の叔父もまた、詩人であった。(The famous author's uncle was also a poet.)

私の叔父は、若い頃にブラジルへ渡った。(My uncle moved to Brazil when he was young.)

The most frequent mistake learners make with 叔父 is confusing it with its counterpart 伯父. While both are pronounced 'oji', they are not interchangeable in writing. Using 叔父 for an uncle who is older than your mother or father is technically incorrect and can be seen as a sign of poor kanji knowledge. Always check the birth order before writing the kanji!

The 'San' Trap: Mistake: Calling your own uncle 'Oji-san' when talking to your boss. Correct: Use '叔父' (oji) without the suffix to maintain the humble register.

Another common error is using 叔父 to refer to a middle-aged man on the street. In English, children are often taught to call any adult male 'Uncle', but in Japanese, while you might say 'Oji-san' (usually in hiragana), you would never use the kanji 叔父. Using this kanji implies a biological or legal relationship. For strangers, the correct kanji (though rarely used) is 小父, but hiragana おじさん is much safer and more common.

❌ 知らない叔父に道を尋ねた。(Incorrect: I asked a stranger 'uncle' for directions.)
✅ 知らないおじさんに道を尋ねた。(Correct: I asked a middle-aged man for directions.)

Confusion also arises with pitch accent. While the kanji 叔父 and 伯父 are the same, the word 'oji' (uncle) has a different pitch accent than 'ojii-san' (grandfather). 'Oji' (uncle) usually has a low-high-low pattern, whereas 'Ojii' (grandfather) has a long 'ii' sound. Shortening the 'ii' in 'ojii-san' can accidentally turn your grandfather into an uncle!

Learners also struggle with the honorific forms. When talking about *someone else's* uncle, you must add '-san' or '-sama' to be polite. Saying 'Tanaka-san no oji' sounds very blunt and potentially rude. Instead, say 'Tanaka-san no oji-san' or 'Tanaka-san no oji-sama'. The kanji 叔父 is generally reserved for the descriptive noun or your own humble relative.

❌ 田中さんの叔父は元気ですか？ (Too blunt.)
✅ 田中さんのおじ様はお元気ですか？ (Polite and natural.)

Kanji Stroke Order: The kanji 叔 (shuku) is often written incorrectly by beginners who confuse the right-hand side with similar-looking radicals. Ensure the '又' (mata) radical at the bottom is clear.

Finally, don't confuse 叔父 (oji) with 叔母 (oba). It sounds simple, but in rapid conversation, 'oji' and 'oba' can sound similar to the untrained ear. One refers to the uncle, the other to the aunt. Always listen for the 'ji' vs 'ba' sound carefully.

私の叔父と叔母は、北海道に住んでいます。(My uncle and aunt live in Hokkaido.)

While 叔父 is the standard term for a younger uncle, Japanese offers several alternatives depending on the level of formality and the specific relationship. Understanding these nuances will make your Japanese sound much more natural and precise.

伯父 (Oji): This is the primary alternative. It refers to an uncle who is the *older* brother of your parent. In speech, they are identical, but in writing, this distinction is vital for family records.
おじさん (Oji-san): The most common spoken form. It is used when addressing your uncle directly or when talking about a middle-aged man who is not a relative. It is friendly and less formal than the kanji-only version.
おじ様 (Oji-sama): A very polite and respectful version. You might use this when talking about a superior's uncle or in high-class social settings. It is also common in 'ojou-sama' style anime characters.

For a more casual or even slightly rough register, you might encounter 叔父貴 (ojiki). This term is often heard in yakuza films or very traditional masculine circles. It implies a 'sworn uncle' or a senior figure in a hierarchical organization who is like an uncle. It is not something you would use in a standard business or family setting!

あの人は私の叔父貴分です。(That person is like an uncle figure to me.)

In some regional dialects, particularly in rural areas, you might hear おんじ (onji). This is a dialectal variation of 'oji' and is often used for the second or third son of a family who stays in the household. While you likely won't need to use it, recognizing it can help when watching movies set in the countryside (like 'The Boy and the Heron' or Ghibli films).

If you are talking about someone who is not a relative but is around the age of an uncle, 小父 (oji) is the correct kanji, though it is very rare. Most people just write ojisan in hiragana. This avoids the implication of kinship while still using the age-appropriate term.

近所のおじさんが挨拶してくれた。(The middle-aged man in the neighborhood greeted me.)

叔父 (Oji) vs 義理の叔父 (Giri no Oji): If you want to be specific about an 'uncle-in-law' (the husband of your parent's sister), you can add 'giri no' (in-law). However, in most situations, 叔父 is used for both biological and in-law uncles.

Finally, consider the word 親戚 (shinseki), which means 'relative'. If you don't want to specify that the person is an uncle, or if you are talking about a group of relatives including your uncle, this is the broader term to use. It is very common in B1 level Japanese to use 'shinseki' when the exact relationship isn't the focus of the story.

叔父を含め、親戚一同が集まった。(All the relatives, including my uncle, gathered.)

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

In ancient China, the 'shuku' (叔) was part of a naming system for brothers: Taro (Eldest), Jiro (Second), Shuku (Third), and Ki (Fourth). This influence remains in Japanese kinship kanji.

Guia de pronúncia

UK əʊ.dʒi

US oʊ.dʒi

In Japanese (Standard Tokyo), 'oji' has a low-high-low pitch accent pattern (Atamadaka-gata).

Rima com

Moji (character) Toji (winter solstice) Koji (orphan) Roji (alley) Goji (error) Hoji (maintenance) Shoji (sliding door) Toji (closing)

Erros comuns

Elongating the 'i' sound to 'ojii', which means grandfather.
Elongating the 'o' sound to 'ouji', which means prince.
Using a rising intonation like a question when it's a statement.
Pronouncing 'ji' like 'zi' (incorrect in standard Japanese).
Stress-timed rhythm instead of mora-timed rhythm.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 3/5

Easy to read but requires distinguishing between 叔 and 伯.

Escrita 4/5

The kanji 叔 has many strokes and is easy to miswrite.

Expressão oral 2/5

Pronunciation is simple, but pitch accent matters.

Audição 2/5

Easy to recognize, but don't confuse with 'ojii-san'.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

父 (Father) 母 (Mother) 弟 (Younger brother) 家族 (Family) 人 (Person)

Aprenda a seguir

叔母 (Aunt) 伯父 (Older Uncle) 甥 (Nephew) 姪 (Niece) 親戚 (Relative)

Avançado

戸籍 (Family register) 嫡男 (Heir) 親等 (Degree of kinship) 相続 (Inheritance)

Gramática essencial

Uchi-Soto Kinship Terms

Use '叔父' for your own, 'おじさん' for others.

Humble Language (Kenjougo)

叔父は〜しております (My uncle is doing... [humble]).

Counter for People (~nin)

叔父が三人もいます。

Possessive Particle 'no'

叔父の趣味は釣りです。

Causative-Passive with Relatives

叔父に買い物をさせられた。

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

Exemplos por nível

これは私の叔父です。

This is my uncle.

Simple 'A is B' structure using the humble term for uncle.

叔父は背が高いです。

My uncle is tall.

Using an adjective to describe a family member.

叔父からプレゼントをもらいました。

I received a present from my uncle.

Using the 'kara' particle to show the source of the gift.

叔父は東京にいます。

My uncle is in Tokyo.

Stating location using 'ni imasu'.

私の叔父は４０歳です。

My uncle is 40 years old.

Stating age of a relative.

叔父の名前はたかしです。

My uncle's name is Takashi.

Possessive 'no' used with name.

叔父は犬が好きです。

My uncle likes dogs.

Expressing preference with 'ga suki'.

明日は叔父に会います。

I will meet my uncle tomorrow.

Future intent with the particle 'ni' for the person met.

私の叔父は、父の弟です。

My uncle is my father's younger brother.

Explaining the specific relationship of 叔父.

叔父は銀行で働いています。

My uncle works at a bank.

Describing current occupation with '~te imasu'.

叔父はテニスが上手です。

My uncle is good at tennis.

Describing a skill using 'ga jouzu'.

叔父はよくうちに遊びに来ます。

My uncle often comes to our house to play/visit.

Frequency adverb 'yoku' and purpose of coming.

叔父の家は、海に近いところにあります。

My uncle's house is in a place close to the sea.

Describing location with relative clauses.

子供の時、叔父に遊園地へ連れて行ってもらいました。

When I was a child, my uncle took me to the amusement park.

Benefactive construction '~te moraimashita'.

叔父は料理を作るのが得意です。

My uncle is good at cooking.

Using 'no ga tokui' to describe a hobby/skill.

叔父は去年、結婚しました。

My uncle got married last year.

Past tense of a verb describing a life event.

私の叔父は、海外で貿易の仕事をしています。

My uncle is doing trade business overseas.

Describing a complex job in a formal way.

叔父の勧めもあり、私は日本へ行くことにしました。

Partly due to my uncle's recommendation, I decided to go to Japan.

Using 'no susume mo ari' to show influence.

叔父はとても厳しい人ですが、本当は優しいです。

My uncle is a very strict person, but actually he is kind.

Contrasting personality traits with 'ga'.

叔父は独身で、一人で静かに暮らしています。

My uncle is single and lives quietly by himself.

Describing lifestyle with 'hitori de' and 'shizuka ni'.

叔父が亡くなってから、もう三年が経ちました。

It has already been three years since my uncle passed away.

Using '~te kara' to show time elapsed.

叔父の趣味は登山で、毎月山に行っています。

My uncle's hobby is mountain climbing, and he goes to the mountains every month.

Linking a hobby with a regular action.

叔父は若い頃、プロの野球選手だったそうです。

I heard that my uncle was a professional baseball player when he was young.

Using '~sou desu' to report hearsay.

叔父に相談したところ、良いアドバイスをくれました。

When I consulted my uncle, he gave me good advice.

Using '~ta tokoro' to show a result of an action.

叔父は先祖代々の土地を守り続けています。

My uncle continues to protect the land passed down through generations.

Using 'mamori tsuzukete iru' for continuous action.

叔父の会社が倒産したと聞いて、家族全員が驚いた。

Everyone in the family was surprised to hear that my uncle's company went bankrupt.

Using 'to kiite' to show the cause of an emotion.

叔父は非常に博学で、歴史について何でも知っている。

My uncle is extremely knowledgeable and knows everything about history.

Using 'hakugaku' to describe high intelligence.

叔父は退職後、田舎に移住して農業を始めました。

After retiring, my uncle moved to the countryside and started farming.

Describing a sequence of major life changes.

叔父の性格は、父とは正反対で非常に社交的だ。

My uncle's personality is the exact opposite of my father's; he is very sociable.

Using 'seihantai' to compare two people.

叔父から譲り受けた時計を、今でも大切にしています。

I still cherish the watch I inherited from my uncle.

Using 'yuzuri uketa' for inheritance/gifts.

叔父は無口な人ですが、その言葉には重みがあります。

My uncle is a man of few words, but his words carry weight.

Using 'omomi ga aru' metaphorically.

叔父の家系図を調べると、意外な事実が判明した。

Investigating my uncle's family tree revealed some surprising facts.

Using 'hanmei shita' for discovery.

叔父は、その分野における権威として知られている。

My uncle is known as an authority in that field.

Using 'ken'i' to describe professional standing.

叔父の遺言に従い、遺産は慈善団体に寄付された。

In accordance with my uncle's will, the estate was donated to a charity.

Using 'yuigon ni shitagai' for formal compliance.

叔父は、戦後の混乱期をたくましく生き抜いた人物だ。

My uncle is a person who lived through the post-war period of turmoil with resilience.

Using 'ikin抜ita' for surviving a difficult period.

叔父の邸宅は、重要文化財に指定されるほどの価値がある。

My uncle's mansion is valuable enough to be designated as an important cultural property.

Using 'hodo no kachi' to show degree.

叔父は、政治家としての顔と、芸術家としての顔を併せ持っていた。

My uncle had both the face of a politician and the face of an artist.

Using 'awase motte ita' for dual nature.

叔父の死を悼み、多くの参列者が葬儀に訪れた。

Mourning my uncle's death, many attendees came to the funeral.

Using 'itami' (mourning) in a formal context.

叔父は、若くして起業し、一代で巨万の富を築いた。

My uncle started a business at a young age and built a huge fortune in a single generation.

Using 'kyoman no tomi' for massive wealth.

叔父の教えは、今でも私の人生の指針となっている。

My uncle's teachings still serve as a guide for my life today.

Using 'shishin' (guideline/pointer).

叔父の功績は、歴史の教科書に刻まれるべきものである。

My uncle's achievements are something that should be engraved in history textbooks.

Using 'kizamareru beki' for high praise.

叔父は、伝統芸能の継承者として、生涯をその道に捧げた。

As a successor to traditional arts, my uncle dedicated his life to that path.

Using 'shougai o sasageta' for lifelong dedication.

叔父の書斎には、稀覯本が所狭しと並んでいる。

In my uncle's study, rare books are lined up so closely there's no space left.

Using 'tokosemashi to' for extreme density.

叔父は、冷徹な実業家としての側面と、慈悲深い篤志家としての側面を使い分けていた。

My uncle alternated between his side as a cold-headed businessman and his side as a benevolent philanthropist.

Using 'tsukai wakete ita' for situational roles.

叔父の言動は、常に周囲に多大な影響を及ぼしてきた。

My uncle's words and actions have always exerted a significant influence on those around him.

Using 'eikyou o oyobosu' for exerting influence.

叔父は、不撓不屈の精神で数々の困難を乗り越えてきた。

My uncle has overcome numerous difficulties with an indomitable spirit.

Using the four-character idiom 'futou-fukutsu'.

叔父の邸宅に招かれた際、その洗練された趣味に感銘を受けた。

When I was invited to my uncle's mansion, I was impressed by his sophisticated taste.

Using 'kanmei o uketa' for being deeply moved.

叔父の存在は、私にとって越えるべき大きな壁であった。

My uncle's existence was a great wall for me that I had to overcome.

Using 'koeru beki kabe' metaphorically.

Colocações comuns

叔父の家

叔父に似る

叔父から譲り受ける

叔父の勧め

亡くなった叔父

独身の叔父

叔父の名代

叔父の遺産

叔父の看病

叔父のお下がり

Frases Comuns

叔父にあたる人

— A person who is equivalent to an uncle (used for distant or complex relations).

彼は私の母の叔父にあたる人です。

叔父さん

— Common spoken address for an uncle or a middle-aged man.

叔父さん、お元気ですか？

叔父の七光り

— Benefiting from an uncle's influence (variation of 'oya no nanahikari').

彼は叔父の七光りで就職した。

叔父も叔母も

— Both uncle and aunt (used to refer to the couple).

叔父も叔母も旅行が大好きだ。

遠くの叔父

— An uncle who lives far away.

遠くの叔父から小包が届いた。

叔父のコネ

— Using an uncle's connections.

叔父のコネでチケットを手に入れた。

叔父の形見

— A memento or keepsake of a deceased uncle.

これは叔父の形見の万年筆です。

叔父の代理

— Acting on behalf of one's uncle.

叔父の代理で挨拶に伺いました。

叔父の教え

— An uncle's teachings or advice.

叔父の教えを胸に刻む。

叔父の紹介

— An introduction through an uncle.

叔父の紹介で今の仕事に就いた。

Frequentemente confundido com

叔父 vs 伯父

Older uncle (parent's older brother). Same pronunciation.

叔父 vs 祖父

Grandfather. Starts with 'so' instead of 'o'.

叔父 vs 王子

Prince. Pronounced 'ouji' with a long 'o'.

Expressões idiomáticas

"叔父の脛をかじる"

— To live off one's uncle (be financially dependent).

彼はいつまで叔父の脛をかじるつもりだろう。

Informal

"叔父譲りの..."

— Inherited from one's uncle (usually traits or talents).

彼は叔父譲りの商才がある。

Neutral

"叔父の顔を立てる"

— To save one's uncle's face (protect his reputation).

叔父の顔を立てて、その場は引き下がった。

Neutral

"叔父に泥を塗る"

— To bring shame upon one's uncle.

不祥事を起こして叔父に泥を塗ってしまった。

Neutral

"叔父の威を借る"

— To borrow an uncle's authority/influence.

彼は叔父の威を借る狐のような男だ。

Informal

"叔父のお墨付き"

— The uncle's seal of approval.

この店は叔父のお墨付きだ。

Neutral

"叔父の鶴の一声"

— The uncle's final, decisive word.

叔父の鶴の一声で、旅行先が決まった。

Neutral

"叔父の懐に入る"

— To get into an uncle's good graces.

彼は叔父の懐に入るのが上手い。

Informal

"叔父の眼鏡にかなう"

— To meet the uncle's standards/approval.

彼女は叔父の眼鏡にかなったようだ。

Neutral

"叔父の掌で踊らされる"

— To be manipulated by one's uncle.

結局、私は叔父の掌で踊らされていたのだ。

Informal

Fácil de confundir

叔父 vs 伯父

Identical pronunciation 'oji'.

叔父 is younger brother of parent; 伯父 is older brother. This is a kanji-only distinction.

父の弟は叔父、兄は伯父と書く。

叔父 vs おじいさん

Similar sound.

Oji-san (uncle) vs. Ojii-san (grandfather). The length of the 'i' is the key.

叔父は４０歳、おじいさんは７０歳だ。

叔父 vs 小父

Identical pronunciation 'oji'.

叔父 is a relative; 小父 is an unrelated middle-aged man. Usually written in hiragana.

知らない小父さんに道を教えた。

叔父 vs 叔母

Similar sound 'oba' vs 'oji'.

叔母 is aunt; 叔父 is uncle. Focus on the final syllable.

叔父と叔母が遊びに来た。

叔父 vs 王子

Similar sound 'ouji'.

Ouji (prince) has a long 'o'; Oji (uncle) has a short 'o'.

その王子は私の叔父に似ている。

Padrões de frases

これは私の叔父です。

[Person]は私の叔父です。

田中さんは私の叔父です。

叔父は[Location]に住んでいます。

叔父は北海道に住んでいます。

叔父は[Job]をしています。

叔父は教師をしています。

叔父の影響で[Action]。

叔父の影響で釣りを始めました。

叔父の勧めで[Action]。

叔父の勧めでこの本を読みました。

叔父にあたる[Name]氏。

叔父にあたる佐藤氏が当選した。

叔父の遺志を継ぐ。

私は叔父の遺志を継いで医者になった。

Família de palavras

Substantivos

叔父 (uncle)

叔母 (aunt)

伯父 (older uncle)

伯母 (older aunt)

Adjetivos

叔父らしい (uncle-like)

Relacionado

家族 (family)

親戚 (relative)

父 (father)

母 (mother)

弟 (younger brother)

Cadastre-se grátis para ver todos os exemplos

Como usar

frequency

High in family and legal contexts.

Erros comuns

Writing 伯父 for a younger uncle. → 叔父
伯 is for older, 叔 is for younger. This is the most common kanji error.
Calling a stranger '叔父'. → おじさん (hiragana)
叔父 implies a blood or legal relation. Strangers are just 'ojisan'.
Saying 'ojii-san' when you mean uncle. → oji-san
Long 'ii' makes it grandfather. This is a major pronunciation error.
Adding '-san' when talking about your own uncle to a boss. → 叔父
In the humble register, you don't use honorifics for your own family.
Confusing 叔父 (oji) with 叔母 (oba). → 叔父
One is male, one is female. Listen for the 'ji' vs 'ba'.

Dicas

The 'Small' Radical

The kanji 叔 contains a part that looks like 'small'. Remember: Small = Younger Uncle.

Humble Register

Never say 'Watashi no oji-san' to a superior. Say 'Watashi no oji'.

Otoshidama

Uncles are a primary source of New Year's money for children in Japan!

Legal Accuracy

On legal forms, 叔父 and 伯父 must be used correctly according to the family register.

Vowel Length

Short 'i' is uncle, long 'ii' is grandfather. This is the #1 listening mistake.

Oji-ue

If you watch historical anime, you'll hear 'Oji-ue' for a very high-ranking uncle.

Stranger Danger

Don't use 叔父 for the 'creepy guy' or the 'nice guy' on the street; use hiragana.

Context Clues

If you see 叔父 in a book, look for a younger brother dynamic in the plot.

Pitch Accent

Practice the 'Atamadaka' (head-high) pitch to sound like a native.

Interchangeability

In casual texts, many Japanese people just use hiragana to save time.

Memorize

Mnemônico

The kanji 叔 (shuku) has the 'small' radical (inside the left part). Think of a 'small' or 'younger' father. That is your 叔父.

Associação visual

Imagine your father standing next to his younger brother who is slightly shorter. The 'younger' one is the 叔父.

Word Web

Relative Male Younger Family Humble Uchi Hierarchy Brother

Desafio

Write a short paragraph about an imaginary uncle using 叔父. Make sure to mention he is your father's younger brother to reinforce the kanji choice.

Origem da palavra

The kanji 叔 (shuku) originally meant 'to pick up' or 'gather' but evolved to mean 'junior' or 'younger sibling' in Chinese kinship terms. The kanji 父 (fu/chichi) means 'father.' Together, they signify a 'junior father-figure.'

Significado original: A father's younger brother.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Contexto cultural

Be careful when using 'ojisan' for strangers; if they are young, they might feel offended being called 'middle-aged'!

In English, 'uncle' is a single word. Japanese learners must adjust to the older/younger distinction in writing.

The movie 'Ikiru' features family dynamics involving uncles. The 'Ojisan' trope in anime (e.g., 'Uncle from Another World'). Natsume Soseki's novels often detail intricate family relations using these terms.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Introducing family

私の叔父です。
叔父を紹介します。
叔父の[Name]です。
父の弟の叔父です。

Talking about holidays

叔父の家に行きます。
叔父からお年玉をもらいました。
叔父と食事をしました。
叔父の家族と会いました。

Legal/Official

叔父の遺産。
叔父を保証人にする。
叔父の戸籍。
叔父の同意。

Childhood memories

叔父によく遊んでもらった。
叔父は優しかった。
叔父の車に乗った。
叔父に叱られた。

Work/Excuses

叔父の葬儀のため休みます。
叔父が急病で。
叔父の仕事を手伝う。
叔父の紹介で。

Iniciadores de conversa

"あなたの叔父さんはどんな人ですか？ (What kind of person is your uncle?)"

"叔父さんとよく会いますか？ (Do you see your uncle often?)"

"叔父さんから何か影響を受けましたか？ (Were you influenced by your uncle in any way?)"

"叔父さんの仕事は何ですか？ (What is your uncle's job?)"

"叔父さんとの一番の思い出は何ですか？ (What is your best memory with your uncle?)"

Temas para diário

私の叔父について書きます。彼は父の弟で... (I will write about my uncle. He is my father's younger brother and...)

もし叔父がいなかったら、私の人生はどう違っていたでしょうか。 (If I didn't have an uncle, how would my life be different?)

叔父の家に行った時の思い出を詳しく書いてください。 (Write in detail about a memory of going to your uncle's house.)

叔父と父（または母）は似ていますか？ (Are your uncle and father/mother similar?)

将来、あなたはどんな叔父（または叔母）になりたいですか？ (What kind of uncle/aunt do you want to be in the future?)

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Check if the uncle is younger or older than your parent. If younger, use 叔父. If older, use 伯父.

Yes, it applies to both your father's and mother's younger brothers.

It is a humble/neutral noun. Use it for your own uncle. For others, add '-san'.

In speech, no. In writing, yes, especially in formal or family-related documents.

If you are unsure, it is safest to write 'おじ' in hiragana.

Yes, it is 'O-oji', written as 大叔父 or 大伯父.

No, never use the kanji 叔父 for a stranger. Use hiragana おじさん.

It historically means 'junior' or 'third/fourth son' in Chinese naming conventions.

It's two short syllables: O-ji. Don't stretch either vowel.

Only if you are explaining a family situation to your coworkers or boss.

Cadastre-se grátis para ver dicas e notas