Translation and Meaning of: 家族 - kazoku

The Japanese word 家族[かぞく] is one of those expressions that carries significant emotional and cultural weight. If you are learning Japanese or simply curious about the meaning and usage of this word, this article will explore everything you need to know. From its literal translation to how it is perceived in Japan, including practical examples and tips for memorization, we will uncover the details of this important expression.

Meaning and translation of 家族[かぞく]

In Portuguese, 家族[かぞく] can be translated as "family." However, similar to many languages, the concept of family in Japan goes beyond the immediate family nucleus. The word encompasses blood ties but can also include people considered part of the inner circle, depending on the context.

It is worth noting that, although 家族[かぞく] is the most common way to refer to family, there are other words in Japanese that can also be used, such as 家庭[かてい] (home, family environment) or 親族[しんぞく] (relatives). However, 家族[かぞく] is the most comprehensive and everyday term.

Origin and Cultural Use

The origin of the word 家族[かぞく] traces back to the kanji 家 (house, home) and 族 (clan, group). Together, these characters form the idea of "a group that shares the same home," reflecting the importance of coexistence and family ties in Japanese culture. Historically, Japan has a society based on strong family structures, and this is reflected in the frequent use of this word.

In Japan, family is often depicted in animes, dramas, and songs as a central pillar of life. For example, in works like "Spirited Away" or "My Neighbor Totoro," familial relationships are a recurring theme. This shows how the concept of 家族[かぞく] is deeply rooted not only in the language but also in popular culture.

Tips for memorizing and using 家族[かぞく]

If you are studying Japanese, a great way to memorize 家族[かぞく] is to associate it with images or everyday situations. For example, think of a scene of a family gathered around the table during dinner. This type of visualization helps to solidify the word in a more natural way.

Another tip is to practice with simple sentences, such as "私の家族は四人です" (My family has four people). Using the word in context facilitates assimilation and makes learning more dynamic. If you use apps like Anki, creating flashcards with real examples can be an effective strategy.

Frequency and context of use

The word 家族 [かぞく] is extremely common in the daily life of Japanese people. It appears in informal conversations, formal texts, and even in song lyrics. Its versatility makes it essential for anyone who wants to communicate naturally in Japanese.

Additionally, it is important to note that while the term is neutral, the tone with which it is used can vary. In more formal contexts, such as in documents or speeches, 家族[かぞく] retains its emotional weight, but in casual conversations, it may sound more relaxed, especially when discussing family plans or events.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 家庭 (Katei) - Family (family environment)
• 家門 (Kamon) - Family clan (lineage or family name)
• 家系 (Kakei) - Family lines (ancestry or genealogy)
• 家柄 (Yagata) - Family origin (status or prestige of the family)
• 一族 (Ichizoku) - A family (all members of the same lineage)

家族

Romaji: kazoku
Kana: かぞく
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: family; members of a family

Meaning in English: family;members of a family

Definition: Relationships and communities among relatives who are related by blood or kinship.

Example Sentences - (家族) kazoku

See below some example sentences:

私は祖父から受け継いだ家族の伝統を大切にしています。

Watashi wa sofu kara uketsuguida kazoku no dentō o taisetsu ni shiteimasu

I value my family tradition that I inherited from my grandfather.

I value the family tradition inherited from my grandfather.

• 私 - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 祖父 - noun meaning "grandfather" in Japanese
• から - particle that indicates the origin or starting point
• 受け継いだ - verb meaning "to inherit" or "to receive as an inheritance"
• 家族 - noun meaning "family" in Japanese
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 伝統 - noun meaning "tradition" in Japanese
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 大切にしています - verbal expression that means "to value" or "to give importance"

福は家族と健康にある。

Fuku wa kazoku to kenkou ni aru

Happiness is in family and health.

Fuku is in family and health.

• 福 (fuku) - happiness, luck
• 家族 (kazoku) - family
• と (to) - e (connecting particle)
• 健康 (kenkou) - health
• に (ni) - in, at (location particle)
• ある (aru) - be, exist (verb)

何よりも家族が大切です。

Nani yori mo kazoku ga taisetsu desu

ABOVE ALL

Above all, the family is important.

• 何 - means "what" or "which"
• よりも - is a particle that indicates comparison, meaning "more than"
• 家族 - means "family"
• が - is a particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, meaning "the family"
• 大切 - means "important" or "valuable"
• です - is a particle that indicates the polite form of the verb "ser", meaning "is"

一番大切なのは家族です。

Ichiban taisetsu na no wa kazoku desu

The most important thing is the family.

The most important thing is the family.

• 一番 - the most important
• 大切 - precious, valuable
• な - particle indicating emphasis
• の - Particle that indicates possession
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 家族 - family
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

クリスマスは家族と一緒に過ごす特別な日です。

Kurisumasu wa kazoku to issho ni sugosu tokubetsu na hi desu

Christmas is a special day spent with family.

Christmas is a special day to spend with your family.

• クリスマス (kurisumasu) - Christmas
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 家族 (kazoku) - family
• と (to) - connecting particle
• 一緒に (issho ni) - together
• 過ごす (sugosu) - spend time)
• 特別な (tokubetsu na) - special
• 日 (hi) - day
• です (desu) - Verb ser/estar (polite form)

殊に大切なことは家族との絆です。

Shu ni taisetsu na koto wa kazoku to no kizuna desu

The most important thing is the bond with the family.

• 殊に - Especially
• 大切な - important
• ことは - the thing is
• 家族 - family
• との - with
• 絆 - ties
• です - is

私の家族には長男がいます。

Watashi no kazoku ni wa chōnan ga imasu

I have an eldest son in my family.

My family has the eldest son.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two things
• 家族 - noun meaning "family"
• には - particle indicating the existence of something in a certain place or situation
• 長男 - noun meaning "eldest son"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• います - verb meaning "to exist" or "to be present"

私の家族はとても大切です。

Watashi no kazoku wa totemo taisetsu desu

My family is very important to me.

My family is very important.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• の (no) - possession particle in Japanese, indicating that "my" family home
• 家族 (kazoku) - means "family" in Japanese
• は (wa) - topic particle in Japanese, indicating that "the family" is the subject of the sentence
• とても (totemo) - adverb meaning "very" in Japanese
• 大切 (taisetsu) - adjective meaning "important" or "precious" in Japanese
• です (desu) - verb to be in Japanese, indicating "is" important to my family

私たちは家族を守るために全力を尽くします。

Watashitachi wa kazoku o mamoru tame ni zenryoku o tsukushimasu

We will do our best to protect the family.

• 私たちは - "We"
• 家族を - "Family"
• 守るために - "To protect"
• 全力を尽くします - "We'll do our best"

跡継ぎは家族の誇りです。

Atotsugi wa kazoku no hokori desu

Succession is the pride of the family.

• 跡継ぎ - Successor
• は - Topic particle
• 家族 - family
• の - Possession particle
• 誇り - Pride
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present