Meaning and Usage
"孤児" (こじ) specifically refers to a child who has lost both parents, an orphan. It is a formal and somewhat serious term often used in social, legal, or humanitarian contexts.
Common Contexts
You will often see "孤児" used in discussions about social welfare, orphanages (孤児院), and support activities for children without parents. It is not typically used in casual conversation but appears in news, literature, and official documents.
Collocations and Patterns
- 孤児院 (こじいん): orphanage, a place where orphans live or are cared for.
- 孤児になる: to become an orphan, often used to describe losing parents due to accidents, illness, or disasters.
- 戦争孤児 (せんそうこじ): war orphan, a common compound referring to children orphaned by war.
Nuances and Tips
When using "孤児," be aware it carries a sensitive and respectful tone. Avoid using it lightly or jokingly. Learners sometimes confuse "孤児" with "孤独" (こどく, loneliness), but these are unrelated words. "孤児" always relates to the loss of parents, not feelings of solitude.
Understanding this word helps in comprehending social issues and humanitarian topics in Japanese media and conversations.