Basic Meaning
The word "子" (こ) primarily means "child" or "kid" in Japanese. It is often used to refer to someone's offspring or young children in general.
Usage in Sentences
You will frequently see "子" used in everyday conversation when talking about children, family members, or young people. It can stand alone or be part of compound words like "子ども" (children).
Common Collocations
- 子ども (こども): child, children — the most common way to say "child" in general.
- 子供 (こども): same as above, often written in kanji.
- 子がいる (こがいる): to have children — used when talking about having kids.
Register and Nuance
"子" is neutral and can be used in both casual and formal contexts, but when referring to children in polite speech, "お子さん" (おこさん) is often used.
Learner Tips
Be careful not to confuse "子" (child) with other similar-sounding words. Also, "子" can appear in many compound words with different meanings, so context is important to understand its exact use.