Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Child" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "child", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
子供
こども (kodomo)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
こども
こども (kodomo)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "child" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 子供 and こども.
In Japanese, 子供 (こども (kodomo)) is typically associated with "child, children" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Can refer to a single child or multiple children. 「お子さん」.
On the other hand, こども (こども (kodomo)) maps to "child" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents General term for a child. Often written with kanji 子供. The plural form can be 子供たち. A literal translation of "child" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "子供"
公園で子供たちが遊んでいます。
Children are playing in the park.
Bilingual Context for "こども"
公園で子供たちが遊んでいます。
Children are playing in the park.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "公園で ＿＿＿ たちが遊んでいます。" (Meaning: "Children are playing in the park.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "子供" fits here because it means "child, children" in the context of: "Children are playing in the park.". "こども" represents "child".