Japanese word

義父

Pronunciation

Romajigifu

Meaning

  • nounfather-in-law

Example

義父は料理が上手です。gi fu wa ryō ri ga jō zu de su

My father-in-law is good at cooking.

Illustration for 義父 (father-in-law)

More examples

週末に義父の家へ行きます。shū matsu ni gi fu no ie e i ki ma su

I am going to my father-in-law's house this weekend.

Core concept

Centers on a father who becomes part of a person's family through marriage.

Common phrases

  • 義父と話すgi fu to hana su

    speak with one's father-in-law

  • 義父に会うgi fu ni a u

    meet one's father-in-law

Similar words

お義父さんogifusan: A polite name for a father who joins the family through marriage, adoption, or a parent's remarriage.
舅shūto: A formal word for the father of one's spouse.

Definition in Japanese

配偶者の父。hai gū sha no chichi

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound 義父 (gifu) combines 義 (gi, "in-law relationship") and 父 (fu, "father").

Usage tips

  • Unlike English father-in-law, Japanese 義父 (gifu) can also refer to an adoptive father or stepfather, so the family relationship is understood from context.

Word lists with this word