Meaning and Usage
The word 肉親 (にくしん) refers specifically to people related by blood, such as parents, siblings, and children. It emphasizes biological family ties rather than legal or social relationships.
Context and Nuance
肉親 is often used in formal or literary contexts to highlight the importance or emotional weight of blood relationships. It can appear in discussions about family bonds, inheritance, or emotional support.
Common Collocations
- 肉親を亡くす (にくしんをなくす): to lose a blood relative
- 肉親の絆 (にくしんのきずな): the bond between blood relatives
- 肉親だけの秘密 (にくしんだけのひみつ): secrets only shared among blood relatives
Register and Politeness
This term is generally neutral but leans toward formal or written Japanese. It is less common in casual conversation where terms like 家族 (かぞく) or 親戚 (しんせき) might be preferred.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 肉親 with 親戚 (relatives by marriage or extended family). 肉親 strictly means blood relatives, so be careful to use it only when emphasizing biological family ties.