Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'uncle' depends on age relative to one's parent, politeness level, and whether you are talking about your own uncle or someone else's. There are also general terms and affectionate nicknames.
Referring to your own uncle in a neutral or humble context, such as when talking to outsiders.
Used for your own uncle who is younger than your parent. In writing, this kanji specifies a younger uncle.
My uncle is a doctor.
Used for your own uncle who is older than your parent. In writing, this kanji specifies an older uncle.
伯父は東京に住んでいます。
My uncle lives in Tokyo.
The hiragana form is neutral and can be used for any uncle when age distinction is not needed or in casual writing.
おじが遊びに来た。
My uncle came to visit.
Referring to someone else's uncle politely.
Polite form for a younger uncle. The suffix さん adds respect.
あなたの叔父さんは親切ですね。
Your uncle is kind.
Polite form for an older uncle.
General polite term for someone else's uncle, without specifying age.
Calling your own uncle directly in a familiar way.
Common affectionate term used by children and adults to address their uncle. Can be used regardless of age relative to parent.
おじさん、これあげる！
Uncle, this is for you!
More childish or affectionate way to address an uncle, similar to 'uncle' or 'uncy'.
おじちゃん、遊ぼう！
Uncle, let's play!
Referring to a middle-aged man who is not a relative, similar to 'mister' or 'uncle' in informal English.
Used to refer to an unfamiliar middle-aged man in a casual, sometimes slightly dismissive way. Can be friendly or rude depending on context.
Can be considered rude if used directly to a stranger. Safer to use あの人 or nothing.
あのおじさんに道を聞かれた。
That middle-aged man asked me for directions.
More colloquial and friendly version of おじさん, common in Kansai dialect but used elsewhere.
おっちゃん、これいくら？
Hey mister, how much is this?
In spoken Japanese, both are pronounced おじ. The kanji distinction is mainly used in writing to clarify whether the uncle is younger (叔父) or older (伯父) than one's parent. When speaking, context usually makes it clear, or you can add 年下の (younger) or 年上の (older) if needed.
When addressing your own uncle, it's common to use おじさん or おじちゃん, but you can also attach these to their given name, e.g., たけしおじさん (Uncle Takeshi).
Calling a stranger おじさん to their face can be rude, implying they look old. It's safer to use すみません (excuse me) to get their attention without a title.
伯父さんによろしくお伝えください。
Please give my regards to your uncle.
おじさんはお元気ですか。
How is your uncle?