両親(りょうしん)

両親(りょうしん) means parents - referring to both mother and father together.

Forms

両(りょう) (both) + 親(しん) (parent) = both parents

Register

• 両親(りょうしん): standard/formal
• ご両親(りょうしん): honorific (for others' parents)
• 父(ちち)と母(はは): my father and mother (casual)
• お父(とう)さんとお母(かあ)さん: dad and mom (casual)

Common expressions

• 両親(りょうしん)に感謝(かんしゃ)する: to be grateful to one's parents
• 両親(りょうしん)を養(やしな)う: to support one's parents
• 両親(りょうしん)に会(あ)う: to meet one's parents
• ご両親(りょうしん)によろしく: give my regards to your parents

Related family terms

• 父親(ちちおや): father
• 母親(ははおや): mother
• 親(おや): parent(s)
• 片親(かたおや): single parent
• 義理(ぎり)の両親(りょうしん): in-laws

Usage

When talking about your own parents to others, use 両親(りょうしん), 父(ちち), 母(はは). When asking about or referring to someone else's parents, use ご両親(りょうしん), お父(とう)さん, お母(かあ)さん.