Understanding 従兄弟 (いとこ)
従兄弟 specifically refers to a cousin, typically male, in Japanese. It is a common term used to describe the children of one's uncle or aunt. When you say 従兄弟, you are usually referring to a cousin of the same generation but not a sibling.
Usage and Context
This word is often used in family conversations or when talking about relatives. It is neutral in formality and can be used in both casual and polite contexts. Note that 従兄弟 can refer to both older and younger cousins, but the gender is usually male unless otherwise specified.
Common Collocations
- 従兄弟と遊ぶ (play with cousin): used when talking about spending time with cousins.
- 従兄弟の家 (cousin's house): referring to the home of your cousin.
- 従兄弟に会う (meet a cousin): used when meeting or visiting cousins.
Tips for Learners
A common confusion is mixing 従兄弟 with いとこ without kanji, but they are the same word. Also, remember that 従兄弟 is gender-neutral in everyday speech, but the kanji can imply male cousin. To specify female cousin, you might see 従姉妹 (じゅうしまい).