親

• Reading: おや
• Romaji: oya
• Kanji breakdown: 親 (shin/oya) — parent, intimate, close
• Pronunciation: /o.ja/

Meaning

A parent. Refers to one's mother or father, or parents in general.

When used alone, 親 often means parents collectively. Can be specified as 父親 (chichioya, father) or 母親 (hahaoya, mother). Also used in compounds like 親子 (oyako, parent and child) and 親切 (shinsetsu, kind). In card games, 親 refers to the dealer.

Examples

1. 親に電話をかけました。 I called my parents.
2. 子供は親の言うことを聞くべきです。 Children should listen to what their parents say.
3. 親になって初めてわかることがあります。 There are things you only understand once you become a parent.

Usage Guide

Context: family, daily life, relationships

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 親 combines 立 (stand), 木 (tree), and 見 (see), suggesting someone who stands and watches over you, like a parent.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal