Family in Japanese

In today’s free lesson you’ll learn how to talk about your family in Japanese. Practice your Japanese pronunciation as you listen to the audio, and while you’re at it – take a closer look at the different ways to say 'my' in Japanese.

Resources for further reading:
- The Top Ten "Learn Japanese" Hacks
- Learn How You can Improve Your Japanese Pronunciation

How to Pronounce Family in Japanese

Let’s look at some immediate family members:

Practice Your Pronunciation With Rocket Record

Rocket Record lets you perfect your Japanese pronunciation. Just listen to the native speaker audio and then use the microphone icon to record yourself. Once you’re done, you’ll get a score out of 100 on your pronunciation and can listen to your own audio playback. (Use a headset mic for best results.) Problems? Click here!

父

ちち

chichi

father

母

はは

haha

mother

私の両親

わたし　の　りょうしん

watashi no ryōshin

my parents

兄

あに

ani

older brother

姉

あね

ane

older sister

弟

おとうと

otōto

younger brother

妹

いもうと

imōto

younger sister

How about your extended family?

おば

oba

aunt

おじ

oji

uncle

祖父

そふ

sofu

grandfather

祖母

そぼ

sobo

grandmother

私のいとこ

わたし　の　いとこ

watashi no itoko

my cousin

私の親戚

わたし　の　しんせき

watashi no shinseki

my relatives

Now for some romantic relationships:

私の妻

わたし　の　つま

watashi no tsuma

my wife

私の夫

わたし　の　おっと

watashi no otto

my husband

私の彼氏

わたし　の　かれし

watashi no kareshi

my boyfriend

私の彼女

わたし　の　かのじょ

watashi no kanojo

my girlfriend

Now you're all set to describe your family in Japanese.

Here are a few recommended Japanese lessons to try next:

Looking for popular entertainment for going out in Japanese? Check out this lesson.
Saying happy birthday in Japanese is easy! Learn how in this lesson.
Talking about your health in Japanese is essential.

さようなら！ (Sayōnara!) "Good bye!"

Sayaka Matsuura: Rocket Japanese

Make It Stick With The Rocket Activities

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Activities

Flashcards

Reinforce your memory using Flashcards

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Listening

Listen to the phrase, then record yourself saying the phrase

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Speaking

Record yourself saying the phrase out loud

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Let's get you talking in Japanese.

We love Japanese people and Japanese culture - from riveting anime and comforting ramen to the majestic Mt. Fuji and the breathtaking sights of Kyōto! And there's no better way to connect with them than by learning 日本語 (Japanese).