叔父 — meaning in English: Uncle

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Guess the translation for uncle

救急車

kyūkyūsha

ライセンス

raisen su

セクター

sekutaa

叔父

oji

尊敬

sonkei

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 叔父 (oji) when referring to their uncle in casual conversations with family or friends. For instance, a child might say, 'I visited my oji's house last weekend,' to share their experiences during family gatherings or holiday celebrations.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym for 叔父 (oji) is 叔母 (oba), which means 'aunt.' While 叔父 is specifically for uncles, the word おじさん (ojisan) can also refer to an older man or uncle informally. You would use 叔父 in more direct family contexts, while おじさん could be used more casually or to address someone in a friendly manner.

Culture

The word 叔父 (oji) has roots in the classical Chinese term for uncle, reflecting the deep cultural ties between Japan and China. In Japanese society, the role of the uncle can often extend beyond mere familial ties, as uncles frequently play a significant role in the upbringing of children, offering guidance and support that may rival that of a father.

FAQ

Q.What is the difference between 叔父 and おじさん?

叔父 (oji) specifically refers to a biological uncle, while おじさん (ojisan) can mean 'uncle' informally or refer to an older man in general. Use 叔父 when speaking about family members, and おじさん for casual conversations.

Q.How do you say 'my uncle' in Japanese?

To say 'my uncle' in Japanese, you would say 私の叔父 (watashi no oji). This phrase includes the possessive particle 私の (watashi no), which means 'my.'

Q.Is 叔父 used in both formal and informal settings?

Yes, 叔父 (oji) is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings. However, context will dictate how formally you speak about your uncle, particularly when discussing family in a respectful manner.

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