親族

• Reading: しんぞく
• Romaji: shinzoku
• Kanji breakdown: 親 (shin/oya) — parent, intimate; 族 (zoku) — clan, tribe, family
• Pronunciation: /ɕiɴ.zo.kɯ/

Meaning

Relative; relation; kin. Family members connected by blood or marriage.

A noun covering a broader range of family relations than 家族 (kazoku, immediate family). Legally defined in Japanese civil law as relatives within the sixth degree of blood relation and within the third degree by marriage. Common at formal events such as weddings and funerals. More formal than 親戚 (shinseki), which is used in everyday conversation.

Examples

1. 結婚式には遠方からも多くの親族が集まった。 Many relatives gathered for the wedding, even from far away.
2. 親族間のトラブルは解決が難しいことが多い。 Disputes among relatives are often difficult to resolve.
3. 遠い親族とは年に一度も会わないことがある。 There are times when I don't see distant relatives even once a year.

Usage Guide

Context: family, legal, ceremonies

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 親 (shin, parent/close) + 族 (zoku, clan/tribe). Literally 'close clan' — those bound by kinship.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal