Translation guide
The most common and neutral word for 'parents' is 両親 (りょうしん). In casual conversation, 親 (おや) is often used. When referring to someone else's parents politely, use ご両親 (ごりょうしん). Note that Japanese distinguishes between one's own parents and others' parents through word choice and politeness levels.
To refer to one's own parents or parents in general in a neutral or slightly formal context.
The standard, polite word for 'parents'. Used in formal situations, writing, and when speaking about parents respectfully.
両親は旅行に行っています。
My parents are on a trip.
A more casual, everyday word for 'parent(s)'. Can refer to one or both parents. Often used in compounds and set phrases.
親に電話した。
I called my parents.
To refer politely to the parents of someone you are speaking to or about.
The polite form of 両親, used when referring to someone else's parents. The prefix ご adds respect.
ご両親はお元気ですか。
How are your parents?
To explicitly mention both father and mother, often in explanations or when emphasizing both.
Literally 'father and mother'. Used when you want to be explicit, or when 両親 might sound too formal. Note: 父 and 母 are humble forms used for one's own parents.
父と母は共働きです。
My father and mother both work.
The polite forms for 'father' and 'mother', used when referring to someone else's parents or when addressing one's own parents directly. Not typically used to refer to one's own parents in formal contexts.
お父さんとお母さんによろしくお伝えください。
Please give my regards to your father and mother.
To refer to parents in a warm, familiar way, often within the family.
Loanwords from English, used mainly by children or in casual family settings. Can sound childish if used by adults.
パパとママが迎えに来た。
Mom and Dad came to pick me up.
両親 is the standard polite term for one's own parents. 親 is more casual and can be used in everyday speech. ご両親 is the respectful term for someone else's parents. Using 両親 for someone else's parents is not incorrect but can sound less polite; ご両親 is preferred in formal or polite conversation.
In Japanese, you do not say 私の両親 (わたしのりょうしん) unless you need to emphasize 'my' for contrast. Usually, 両親 alone implies 'my parents' from context. Adding 私の can sound redundant or overly explanatory.