息子 — meaning in English: son

musuko · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for son

神

kami

プロモーション

puromōshon

息子

musuko

不倫

furin

プロ

puro

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 息子 (musuko) in everyday conversations, particularly when referring to their own sons or discussing family dynamics. For example, a father might say, '私の息子はサッカーが好きです' (My son likes soccer) when talking about his child's interests.

Synonyms & nuances

Another term for son is 子供 (kodomo), which means 'child' and can refer to any child regardless of gender. While 息子 specifically denotes a male child, using 子供 may be more appropriate in contexts where gender is not specified, such as when discussing multiple children.

Culture

The word 息子 (musuko) is deeply rooted in Japanese family culture, where the roles of family members are highly valued. Interestingly, the character 息 (iki) means 'breath' or 'life,' suggesting that a son brings vitality to the family. This connection highlights the importance of sons in traditional Japanese society, where carrying on the family name is often emphasized.

FAQ

Q.What is the difference between 息子 (musuko) and 子供 (kodomo)?

息子 (musuko) specifically means 'son,' while 子供 (kodomo) is a general term for 'child.' Use 息子 when you want to refer to a male child specifically.

Q.How do you use 息子 in a sentence?

You can use 息子 in sentences like '私の息子は高校生です' (My son is a high school student). It usually follows the possessive particle 'の' (no) to indicate ownership.

Q.Are there any formal situations to use 息子?

In formal contexts, it's best to use 息子 respectfully, perhaps when introducing family in a more serious setting. However, in casual conversation, using 息子 is perfectly appropriate among friends and family.

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