養子縁組

• Reading: ようしえんぐみ
• Romaji: yoshi engumi
• Kanji breakdown: 養 (yo) — to nurture, raise | 子 (shi) — child | 縁 (en) — bond, tie | 組 (gumi) — to form, group
• Pronunciation: /jo.ɕi.en.ɡɯ.mi/

Meaning

Adoption; the legal formation of a parent-child relationship between individuals not related by birth.

Japan's Civil Code provides for two forms of adoption: 普通養子縁組 (regular adoption), which allows the adoptee to retain ties to birth parents, and 特別養子縁組 (special adoption), which severs the original parental relationship and is primarily used for child welfare purposes. Japan historically also used adoption extensively to continue family lines and businesses — even adult adoption (大人の養子縁組) is legally permitted and still practised.

Examples

1. 子どもに恵まれなかった夫婦は、養子縁組の手続きを進めることにした。 The couple who were not blessed with children decided to proceed with adoption proceedings.
2. 特別養子縁組では、子どもと実親の法的な親子関係が解消される。 In special adoption, the legal parent-child relationship between the child and their birth parents is dissolved.
3. 跡継ぎを確保するため、歴史的に多くの家が養子縁組を活用してきた。 To secure an heir, many households historically made use of adoption.

Usage Guide

Context: family law, child welfare, civil law

Tone: official

Origin & History

Compound of 養子 (yoshi — adopted child; 養 'to nurture/raise' + 子 'child') and 縁組 (engumi — forming a relationship; 縁 'bond/tie' + 組 'to form/pair'). The compound describes the formal creation of an adoptive bond.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical–Present

Generation: Adults and families

Social background: Universal