家族

かぞく

family, members of a family

JLPT N5

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word "家族" (jiāzú) specifically refers to family members connected by blood or marriage. It is commonly used to talk about one's immediate or extended family in everyday conversation.

Common Contexts

"家族" is often used when discussing family relationships, support, or activities involving family members. It can refer to both nuclear family and larger kinship groups.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 家族一起 (jiāzú yīqǐ): family together, used when describing activities done with family.
  • 家族支持 (jiāzú zhīchí): family support, emphasizing emotional or practical backing from family.
  • 大家 (dà jiāzú): large family, often implying many relatives or a big household.

Usage Notes

When using "家族," speakers usually imply a close-knit group related by blood or marriage, not just people living in the same house. It is more formal than "家庭" (jiātíng), which can mean household or family in a broader sense. Avoid confusing "家族" with "家庭" when emphasizing blood relations or kinship.

"家族" is a neutral term suitable for both spoken and written language, often appearing in news, literature, and daily speech.

Example Sentences

I am traveling together with my family.

The support of my family is very important to me.

He comes from a large family with many relatives.