家族
kazokuA group of people related by blood, marriage, or other close relationships, typically living together in a household.
家族で旅行に行きました。
We went on a trip with our family.
In Japanese, '家族' can refer to both nuclear families (parents and children) and extended families (grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.).
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Formal vs. Informal Usage
'家族' is appropriate in both formal and informal settings. For more casual contexts, you might hear 'かぞく' (kazoku) in spoken Japanese.
⚡Gold Rule
Family Structure
In Japanese culture, '家族' often includes not just parents and children but also grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who live together or are closely involved in each other's lives.
📖Word Origin
The kanji '家' means 'house' or 'home,' and '族' means 'tribe' or 'group.' Together, they form the concept of a family unit.
📝Usage Notes
'家族' is a neutral term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is often used to describe the immediate family, but can also include extended family members.