(おや)

おや
noun
parent
1. parent, parents
One's father and/or mother.
(おや)元気(げんき)です。
My parents are well.
(おや)()うことを()きなさい。
Listen to what your parents say.
(おや)電話(でんわ)をかけた。
I called my parents.
(おや)()いに田舎(いなか)(かえ)った。
I went back to the countryside to see my parents.
(おや)子供(こども)のことをいつも心配(しんぱい)している。
Parents always worry about their children.

(おや) means 'parent' (can refer to one or both parents).

Family terms:

  • (ちち)/(はは): father/mother (humble, about own)
  • (とう)さん/お(かあ)さん: father/mother (polite, about others)
  • 両親(りょうしん): both parents (formal)

Common compounds:

  • (おや)(): parent and child
  • (おや)(とも): close friend
  • (おや)会社(がいしゃ): parent company
  • (おや)(ゆび): thumb (parent finger)
  • 親切(しんせつ): kindness

Note: (おや) is the generic/casual term. In formal contexts or when referring to someone else's parents, use ご両親(りょうしん).