孫

• Reading: まご
• Romaji: mago
• Kanji breakdown: 孫 (son/mago) — grandchild
• Pronunciation: /ma.ɡo/

Meaning

Grandchild; a child of one's son or daughter.

A noun for grandchild regardless of gender. Specific terms exist: 孫息子 (mago-musuko, grandson), 孫娘 (mago-musume, granddaughter). In humble speech, one refers to one's own grandchild simply as 孫 (mago), while the honorific form is お孫さん (omago-san). The word carries warm, familial connotations in Japanese culture, where grandparent-grandchild bonds are highly valued.

Examples

1. 祖父は孫と遊ぶのが一番の楽しみだ。 Playing with his grandchild is my grandfather's greatest joy.
2. お孫さんはおいくつですか。 How old is your grandchild?
3. 孫が生まれて家族みんなで喜んだ。 The whole family celebrated when the grandchild was born.

Usage Guide

Context: family, relationships, daily life

Tone: warm

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 孫 combines 子 (child) and 系 (lineage/succession), meaning a child continuing the family line — a descendant one generation removed.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal