Japanese word

育児

Pronunciation

Romajiikuji

Meaning

  • nounchildcare

Example

育児は家族みんなでします。iku ji wa ka zoku mi n na de shi ma su

The whole family helps with childcare.

Illustration for 育児 (childcare)

More examples

夫婦で育児の負担を分けています。fū fu de iku ji no fu tan o wa ke te i ma su

My spouse and I share the burden of childcare.

Core concept

Refers to the continuing responsibility of meeting a child's needs and helping the child grow.

Common phrases

  • 育児をするiku ji o su ru

    provide childcare

  • 育児に悩むiku ji ni naya mu

    struggle with childcare

  • 育児を分担するiku ji o bun tan su ru

    share childcare

Similar words

子育てkosodate: The raising of children through everyday care, support, and guidance.
保育hoiku: The provision of care and early education for young children in a group or institutional setting.
養育yōiku: The care and support given to a child for healthy growth and development.

Definition in Japanese

子どもの身の回りを世話し、育てること。ko do mo no mi no mawa ri o se wa shi soda te ru ko to

Word origin

The noun 育児 (ikuji) is formed from 育 (iku, "to bring up") and 児 (ji, "child"), expressing the act of bringing up a child.

Usage tips

  • Unlike babysitting, 育児 (ikuji) usually refers to the continuing responsibility of raising a child rather than watching one briefly.

Other meanings

  • upbringingnoun

Word lists with this word