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
子ども
こども (kodomo)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "child" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 子供 and 子ども.
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, 子ども (こども (kodomo)) maps to "child, children" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Used for a single child or multiple children. Also refers to one's own child. 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 "子ども"
公園で子ども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.". "子ども" represents "child, children".