Translation and Meaning of: 従兄弟 - itoko

If you have ever wondered how the Japanese refer to their cousins or are trying to understand family structure in Japan, the word 従兄弟 [いとこ] is essential. In this article, we will explore everything from the etymology to everyday use of this term, including tips for memorization and even cultural curiosities that make learning more interesting. Here at Suki Nihongo, you can also find examples of ready-made sentences to study in Anki or any other spaced repetition program.

Many people seek not only the meaning of 従兄弟, but also its origin and how it differs from other of kinship in Japanese. Is there a historical reason behind this kanji? And how do the Japanese use this word in their daily lives? Let's uncover all of this below, with a straightforward approach full of details that make a difference in learning.

Etymology and Composition of Kanji

The word 従兄弟 [いとこ] is composed of three kanjis: 従 (to follow, to accompany), 兄 (older brother), and 弟 (younger brother). Together, they convey the idea of "brothers who follow the same family line," meaning cousins. Interestingly, this combination reflects the importance of hierarchy and the relationship between generations in Japanese culture, a concept that permeates even everyday language.

It is worth noting that, although the term is written with kanjis that refer to brothers, it is not limited to male cousins. The context and honorific suffixes define whether it is referring to a male or female cousin. This flexibility can be confusing at first, but with practice, it becomes natural. Can you imagine how it would be to explain this to a Japanese person learning Portuguese?

Everyday Use and Variations

In Japan, いとこ is used in both informal conversations and more formal contexts, depending on the situation. For example, at a family gathering, it's common to hear sentences like "あの子は私のいとこです" (That boy is my cousin). In documents or bureaucratic situations, the written form 従兄弟 appears more frequently.

A curiosity is that, unlike Portuguese, Japanese people do not usually differentiate between first and second cousins in everyday life. If they need to specify, they use expressions like "はとこ" (second cousin), but this is rarer. Have you noticed how these nuances show that each language carries its own cultural logic?

Tips for Memorization and Curiosities

An effective way to memorize 従兄弟 is to associate the kanjis with the idea of "brothers that accompany the family." Visualizing the family tree also helps, since the term refers to the children of uncles. Another tip is to create flashcards with practical examples, such as "私のいとこは大阪に住んでいます" (My cousin lives in Osaka).

Did you know that in some regions of Japan, especially in the countryside, cousins are treated almost like siblings? This happens because families often live close to each other and form very strong bonds. If you ever visit the Japanese countryside, don't be surprised to see cousins calling each other "兄" or "姉" (older brother/older sister) out of affection. Isn't it fascinating how language reflects these relationships?