Translation and Meaning of: 長男 - chounan

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about Japanese culture, you may have come across the word 長男 (ちょうなん). It is quite common in everyday life and appears in family contexts, documents, and even in Japanese dramas. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and usage of this word, as well as understand how it fits into Japanese society. If you are looking for reliable information about 長男, you have come to the right place – Suki Nihongo is the best Japanese dictionary to resolve your doubts!

What does 長男 (ちょうなん) mean?

Chōnan consists of two kanji: 長 (chou), which means "long" or "chief," and 男 (nan), which means "man." Together, they form the word that designates the "eldest son" in a family. This is a simple definition, but it carries significant cultural weight in Japan, where family hierarchy is taken seriously.

Unlike Portuguese, where we use expressions like "firstborn" or "eldest son," in Japanese, 長男 is the standard and most direct term. It’s worth noting that this word does not apply only to children – an adult man remains the 長男 of the family as long as he is the first male child.

Cultural use and importance in Japanese society

In Japan, being the 長男 traditionally comes with certain responsibilities. In the past, it was common for the eldest son to inherit the family's assets and take care of the parents in old age. This custom, known as 家制度 (ie seido), is not as strict today, but it still influences some family dynamics.

In animes and dramas, you may notice that the 長男 is often portrayed as someone who feels the pressure of being the family's "successor." This representation reflects a real aspect of Japanese culture, even though many families have currently abandoned more traditional practices.

How to memorize and use 長男 correctly

An effective way to the meaning of 長男 is to associate the kanji 長 with "chief" and 男 with "man." Thus, you can think of the "man who leads" among the siblings. This logic helps differentiate it from similar words, such as 次男 (じなん, "second son") or 長女 (ちょうじょ, "eldest daughter").

If you are practicing Japanese, try using 長男 in everyday sentences, like "私の兄は長男です" (My brother is the eldest son). Observing how the word appears in real contexts – such as in forms or conversations about family – also helps to reinforce its meaning and usage.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 長子 (Chōshi) - Eldest son, usually the first child of the family.
• 一子 (Ikko) - An only child, without reference to gender or position among siblings.
• 上の子 (Ue no ko) - Eldest son, emphasizing the position among siblings.
• 一番上の息子 (Ichiban ue no musuko) - Eldest son, with an emphasis on the position of being the "first" among the male children.