Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Family" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "family", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
かぞく
かぞく (kazoku)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
犬神持ち
いぬがみもち (inugamimochi)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "family" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between かぞく and 犬神持ち.
In Japanese, かぞく (かぞく (kazoku)) is typically associated with "family" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents A common term for one's family or a family unit. Often used when talking about one's own family. 御家族.
On the other hand, 犬神持ち (いぬがみもち (inugamimochi)) maps to "family possessing a dog spirit" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "family" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "かぞく"
私の家族はみんな元気です。
My family is all well.
Bilingual Context for "犬神持ち"
私は犬神持ちに興味があります。
I am interested in family possessing a dog spirit.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "私の家族はみんな元気です。" (Meaning: "My family is all well.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "かぞく" fits here because it means "family" in the context of: "My family is all well.". "犬神持ち" represents "family possessing a dog spirit".