Translation guide
The Japanese word for 'daughter' depends on whose daughter, the level of politeness, and whether you are speaking about your own family or someone else's.
When referring to your own daughter in conversation with someone outside your family, use humble forms.
The standard humble word for your own daughter. Used when speaking to non-family members.
娘は今年大学を卒業します。
My daughter will graduate from university this year.
Specifically means 'eldest daughter'. Used in formal contexts or when clarifying birth order.
長女は来年結婚します。
My eldest daughter is getting married next year.
Means 'second daughter'. Used when specifying birth order.
次女はまだ小学生です。
My second daughter is still in elementary school.
When referring to another person's daughter, use respectful forms.
Polite form of 'daughter'. Used when talking about someone else's daughter.
娘さんはおいくつですか。
How old is your daughter?
A more polite and somewhat formal term for someone else's daughter. Often used for young unmarried women.
A very formal, literary term for someone else's daughter, often used in writing or formal speeches.
Within the family or in casual conversation, different terms may be used.
Also used within the family, but can sound a bit formal. Often used by parents when referring to their daughter in third person.
うちの娘はピアノが上手なんです。
Our daughter is good at piano.
When speaking directly to family members, it's common to refer to a daughter by her given name rather than using 'daughter'.
花子はもう寝ましたか。
Has Hanako gone to bed yet?
An affectionate, casual term for a young daughter or a little girl. Often used by parents or close relatives.
お嬢ちゃん、こっちにおいで。
Come here, sweetie.
In compound words or formal contexts, other kanji readings appear.
A formal, respectful term for someone else's daughter, often used in written correspondence or formal introductions.
ご息女のご結婚、おめでとうございます。
Congratulations on your daughter's marriage.
Means 'sons and daughters' or 'children'. Used in formal contexts like education or demographics.
When speaking to others about your own daughter, do not use 私の娘 (watashi no musume). Simply say 娘 (musume). Adding 私の can sound redundant or overly possessive in Japanese.
娘 (musume) is for your own daughter (humble). 娘さん (musume-san) is the standard polite form for someone else's daughter. お嬢さん (ojōsan) is more polite and often used for young unmarried women, but can also mean 'young lady' in general.
お嬢さんはとても美しいですね。
Your daughter is very beautiful.
社長の令嬢が結婚されました。
The company president's daughter got married.
Many sons and daughters hope to study abroad.