子
この子は三歳です。
This child is three years old.
A young human being; a child or offspring.
彼女は子供を二人持っています。
She has two children.
子の頃、よく川で遊びました。
When I was a child, I often played in the river.
Used alone, 子 typically refers to a young child. In compounds, it can mean 'offspring' or 'young of an animal.'
A person considered as a child or a young individual (often in compounds).
子供向けの本
a book for children
子犬が生まれました。
A puppy was born.
Common in compound nouns to indicate youth or smallness.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Distinguishing 子 and 子供
子 is formal or used in compounds, while 子供 (ko + domo 'many') is the everyday word for 'child.' Use 子 in writing or formal speech, and 子供 in casual conversation.
Gold Rule
When to use 子
Use 子 alone in formal contexts, compounds, or when referring to offspring in a general sense. Avoid using it to address a child directly.
Word Origin
From Old Japanese *ko₂, from Proto-Japonic *kə (child, offspring). Related to Modern Japanese 子供 (kodomo, 'child') and 子犬 (koinu, 'puppy').
Usage Notes
1. 子 alone is formal or literary; everyday speech uses 子供 (kodomo). 2. In compounds, 子 often appears as a prefix (e.g., 子供, 子犬). 3. In some contexts, 子 can imply 'small' or 'young' (e.g., 子供部屋 = children's room).