What is 戸籍?
戸籍 (こせき) is the official family register in Japan, recording important information such as names, birthdates, marriages, and deaths of family members. It is a legal document used for various administrative procedures.
Usage and Context
You will often encounter 戸籍 in formal or official contexts, such as when registering a marriage, applying for government services, or proving family relationships. It is not a word used in casual conversation.
Common Collocations
- 戸籍謄本 (こせきとうほん): certified copy of the family register, often required for legal procedures.
- 戸籍の変更 (こせきのへんこう): changes to the family register, such as after marriage or adoption.
- 戸籍に記載する (こせきにきさいする): to record information in the family register.
Important Notes
戸籍 is a formal legal term and should be used carefully. A common learner mistake is confusing 戸籍 with 住民票 (じゅうみんひょう), which is a resident record but not the same as the family register. Remember, 戸籍 focuses on family relationships and legal status, while 住民票 is about residence information.