How to say "uncle" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 叔父おじnounThe basic word for one's uncle, especially one younger than one's parent. Use it when simply stating the relationship, as in talking about family members; it carries no honorific or familiar coloring.
- nounA loanword rendering of 'uncle'. It is a less common way to refer to an uncle, and for most everyday contexts a native word such as 叔父 is what you actually want.
- 伯父貴おじきnounA respectful way to refer to or address an uncle who is older than one's parent. The respectful (sonkeigo) tone makes it suited to speaking to or about the uncle deferentially rather than neutral description.
- 叔父貴おじきnounA respectful way to refer to or address an uncle who is younger than one's parent. Like 伯父貴, its sonkeigo coloring suits deferential address; for neutral statements of the relationship 叔父 is the plainer choice.
- nounA familiar, respectful way to address or refer to one's uncle, and the natural choice when speaking directly to him. It is usually written in kana alone, and its friendly tone also extends to addressing unrelated men.
Choose 叔父 for a plain reference to an uncle younger than one's parent (the default), 伯父貴/叔父貴 for respectful address by relative age, 「おじさん」 for familiar address, and 「アンクル」 only as a rare loanword.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
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