家族ぐるみ

• Reading: かぞくぐるみ
• Romaji: kazokugurumi
• Kanji breakdown: 家 (ka/ie) — house, family; 族 (zoku) — clan, tribe, family
• Pronunciation: /ka.zo.kɯ.ɡɯ.ɾɯ.mi/

Meaning

Whole family; including the entire family. Describes relationships or activities involving all family members together.

A noun/adverbial expression using the suffix ぐるみ (gurumi, involving the whole of). Describes a relationship or activity that encompasses entire families rather than just individuals. Commonly used as 家族ぐるみの付き合い (kazoku gurumi no tsukiai, a friendship between whole families). Reflects the Japanese cultural value of family-level social bonds.

Examples

1. 隣の家とは家族ぐるみで付き合っている。 We're on friendly terms with the neighbors as whole families.
2. 家族ぐるみでバーベキューに出かけた。 We all went out for a barbecue together as families.
3. 子どもの頃から家族ぐるみの友人がいる。 I've had family friends since I was a kid.

Usage Guide

Context: social relationships, community, family

Tone: warm

Origin & History

Compound of 家族 (kazoku, family) + ぐるみ (gurumi, involving the entirety of, from 包む/くるむ, to wrap). Literally 'wrapped up with the family' — involving everyone in the family unit.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal