How to say "niece" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 姪めいnounThe common, neutral word for a niece; it is the default choice in most contexts, from everyday conversation to writing.
- 姪っ子めいっこnounA less common, familiar way to say niece, with a casual, affectionate nuance; it suits relaxed talk about family rather than formal writing.
Both words mean niece, so the choice is one of tone: use the common 姪 in neutral speech and writing, and the less common, familiar 「姪っ子」 in casual conversation.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
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