息子

• Reading: むすこ
• Romaji: musuko
• Kanji breakdown: 息 (soku/iki) — breath, life; 子 (shi/ko) — child
• Pronunciation: /mɯ.sɯ.ko/

Meaning

Son (humble). Used to refer to one's own son when speaking to others.

The standard humble term for referring to one's own son in polite conversation. To refer to someone else's son, the polite form 息子さん (musukosan) is used. The kanji 息 (breath/life) and 子 (child) together suggest 'a child who is one's living breath,' reflecting the deep bond between parent and child.

Examples

1. 息子は今年小学校に入りました。 My son started elementary school this year.
2. 息子が描いた絵を見てください。 Please take a look at the picture my son drew.
3. 息子はサッカーが好きです。 My son likes soccer.

Usage Guide

Context: family, polite conversation, introductions

Tone: humble

Origin & History

Compound of 息 (musuko/iki, breath/life) and 子 (ko, child). The word carries the nuance of 'child of one's own breath' or 'living offspring.'

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal