Japanese dictionary
How to say "uncle" in Japanese
おじさんおじさん · ojisan
"Uncle" in Japanese is おじ (oji) for your own uncle and おじさん (ojisan) when speaking politely.
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Ways to say "uncle" in Japanese
| Japanese | When to use it |
|---|---|
| おじさんおじさん · ojisan | Uncle (polite); middle-aged man. |
| おじおじ · oji | Uncle (your own, when talking to others). |
| 伯父・叔父おじ · oji | Uncle in writing: 伯父 is older than your parent, 叔父 is younger. |
How to use it
In writing, 伯父 is an uncle older than your parent and 叔父 is younger. Both are read おじ.
Careful: おじさん also means a middle-aged man, and おじいさん (long ii) means grandfather.
Example sentences
- おじは大阪に住んでいます。Oji wa Ōsaka ni sunde imasu.My uncle lives in Osaka.
- お正月におじの家に行きます。O-shōgatsu ni oji no ie ni ikimasu.I'm going to my uncle's house for New Year's.
- おじさん、お久しぶりです。Ojisan, o-hisashiburi desu.Long time no see, Uncle.
- 父の弟は私のおじです。Chichi no otōto wa watashi no oji desu.My father's younger brother is my uncle.
- おじから誕生日プレゼントが届きました。Oji kara tanjōbi purezento ga todokimashita.A birthday present arrived from my uncle.
- おじは農家をしています。Oji wa nōka o shite imasu.My uncle is a farmer.
Questions
What is the difference between おじさん and おじいさん?
おじさん (ojisan, short i) is uncle or a middle-aged man. おじいさん (ojiisan, long ii) is grandfather or an elderly man.
How do you say "aunt" in Japanese?
Aunt is おば (oba), or おばさん (obasan) when speaking politely.
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