Translation guide
The English word "dependents" refers to people who rely on someone else for financial support, typically family members like children or elderly parents. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; the expression depends on context, such as tax forms, family descriptions, or legal documents.
To refer to people (usually family) who are financially supported by someone, such as on tax forms or in general conversation.
The standard term for 'dependent family members' in contexts like tax deductions, health insurance, or official documents. It literally means 'supported family'.
扶養家族が何人いますか。
How many dependents do you have?
扶養家族控除を申請する。
Apply for a dependent deduction.
A more descriptive phrase meaning 'family members one is supporting'. Used when explaining or clarifying, rather than as a fixed term.
彼は扶養している家族が多い。
He has many dependents.
A formal, technical term used in legal or insurance contexts, meaning 'person being supported'. Often seen on health insurance cards.
被扶養者として登録する。
Register as a dependent.
To refer specifically to children who are financially dependent on their parents.
The general word for 'child' or 'children'. In context, it implies dependency when discussing support. Often used with counters or possessive phrases.
子供がまだ小さいので、働けません。
I can't work because my children are still small.
扶養している子供が二人います。
I have two dependent children.
Explicitly states 'children to support', used in formal or explanatory contexts.
扶養する子供の数によって控除額が変わります。
The deduction amount changes depending on the number of dependent children.
To refer to elderly parents or other relatives who are financially dependent.
Means 'parents one is supporting'. Use 親 (parents) or specify 父 (father), 母 (mother).
扶養している親がいます。
I have dependent parents.
A compound noun meaning 'support of elderly parents', used in social welfare or tax contexts.
老親扶養の負担が増えている。
The burden of supporting elderly parents is increasing.
To refer to a spouse who is financially dependent, often for tax or insurance purposes.
Means 'supported spouse'. Often used in tax discussions. The term 配偶者 means spouse.
妻は扶養されている配偶者です。
My wife is a dependent spouse.
A formal, technical term for 'dependent spouse', used in legal or insurance documents.
被扶養配偶者として保険に加入する。
Enroll in insurance as a dependent spouse.
To ask or state how many dependents one has, common on tax or administrative forms.
The standard phrase for 'number of dependents' on forms.
扶養家族の数を記入してください。
Please fill in the number of dependents.
A shorter, common term on forms meaning 'number of supported persons'.
扶養人数は何人ですか。
How many dependents do you have?
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'dependents'. The word 扶養家族 is the closest, but it specifically means 'supported family members'. In casual conversation, Japanese speakers often just say 家族 (family) or specify the relationship (子供, 親, etc.) rather than using a term for 'dependent'.
家族を養っています。
I support my family.
扶養家族 is the everyday term for dependent family members. 被扶養者 is more technical and often appears on official documents like health insurance cards. In most situations, 扶養家族 is sufficient.