Translation and Meaning of: 息子 - musuko

The word 「息子」 (musuko) is the Japanese term that refers to a "son" in a family context. In its composition, we find the kanji 「息」 and 「子」. The first, 「息」 (iki), can be translated as "rest" or "breath," while the second, 「子」 (ko), is a common kanji that means "child." Together, they create the concept of a son, a vital and integral part of a family.

In Japanese etymology, ideograms are often chosen not only for their sound but also for their meaning. Therefore, the choice of 「息」 for this word may be related to the essential and ongoing role of a child in a family's life, similar to how breathing is essential for life. On the other hand, 「子」 is a general designation for children, used in many other contexts to indicate descendants or young individuals.

It is interesting to note that the family is a central unit in Japanese culture, and the words that describe family relationships, such as 「息子」 (musuko), carry deep cultural and historical nuances. In Japan, the position of the son can involve both privileges and responsibilities within the context of traditional family life. For example, historically, it was expected that sons would continue the family business or take care of their parents in old age, highlighting the importance of a 「息子」 in the traditional family structure.

The Japanese language is rich and multifaceted, making words like 「息子」 not merely descriptions, but reflections of social and historical dynamics. In modern contexts, although some traditions have changed, many people still use this term to affectionately refer to their sons, maintaining a strong emotional bond and cultural continuity.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 息児 (Ikiji) - Child (a less common term that can refer to a child in general)
• 子息 (Shisoku) - Son (more formal or honorific terminology)
• 子供 (Kodomo) - Child (general term, refers to children in their growth phase)
• 息子さん (Musuko-san) - Son (respectful way to refer to someone else's son)

息子

Romaji: musuko
Kana: むすこ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: son

Meaning in English: son

Definition: male child. The one who was born.

Example Sentences - (息子) musuko

See below some example sentences:

私の息子はとてもかわいいです。

Watashi no musuko wa totemo kawaii desu

My son is very cute.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の (no) - particle that indicates possession, in this case "mine"
• 息子 (musuko) - noun that means "son"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "my son"
• とても (totemo) - adverb meaning "very"
• かわいい (kawaii) - adjective meaning "cute" or "pretty"
• です (desu) - auxiliary verb that indicates the present tense and formality of the sentence