息子

musuko
nounBeginner
formalinformal

son

私の息子は大学生です。

My son is a college student.

息子が結婚することになった。

My son is getting married.

💡

A common term for a male child in a family context.

Collocations

息子さんMr. [son's name] (polite form)長男eldest son次男second son

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

息子が生まれたphrase
a son was born
息子の結婚phrase
son's wedding

💡Pro Tip

Gender-Specific Term

Use '息子' for male children and '娘' for female children.

Gold Rule

Family Terms

In Japanese, family terms like '息子' are often used with possessive pronouns (e.g., '私の息子').

📖Word Origin

Composed of '息' (breath, life) and '子' (child), literally meaning 'child of breath' or 'living child'.

📝Usage Notes

Used in both formal and informal contexts. Can be used with honorifics like '息子さん' when referring to someone else's son.

Word Breakdown

breath, life
root
+
child
root
Noted on May 2, 2026JAEN