一人娘(ひとりむすめ)

In the usual sense, 一人娘(ひとりむすめ) is a daughter with no brothers or sisters, the parents' only child. Some speakers also use it for the only girl in a family that has sons.

Common patterns

• 一人娘(ひとりむすめ)を大切(たいせつ)に育(そだ)てる: to raise one's only daughter with care
• 一人娘(ひとりむすめ)を嫁(とつ)がせる: to marry off one's only daughter

Related words

• 一人息子(ひとりむすこ): only son
• 一人(ひとり)っ子(こ): only child (regardless of gender)
• 長女(ちょうじょ): eldest daughter

Usage

Often carries an implication of being cherished or doted upon. In stories and conversation, mentioning someone is a 一人娘(ひとりむすめ) frequently suggests the parents' special attachment.