JLPT · Level 158
15 words
Japanese word
孤児
Pronunciation
Romajikoji
Meaning
- nounorphan
Example
その子は孤児です。so no ko wa ko ji de su
That child is an orphan.
More examples
この団体は孤児の自立を支援しています。ko no dan tai wa ko ji no ji ritsu o shi en shi te i ma su
This organization supports orphans in becoming independent.
Core concept
Refers to a child whose parental support has been lost through the death of a parent or parents.
Common phrases
孤児として育つko ji to shi te soda tsu
grow up as an orphan
孤児を保護するko ji o ho go su ru
protect orphans
Similar words
みなしごminashigo: A literary word for a child without parental care after losing a parent or parents.
Definition in Japanese
両親または親の一方を亡くした子ども。ryō shin ma ta wa oya no ip pō o na ku shi ta ko do mo
Word origin
孤児 (koji) combines the Sino-Japanese readings of 孤 (ko, "solitary") and 児 (ji, "child") to describe a child without parental care.
Usage tips
- The word 孤児 (koji) appears in factual writing as well as stories, so it describes a social situation rather than only a fictional character.