(ひとり)()

ひとりっこ
noun
only child
family
1. only child
A child who has no siblings.
(わたし)一人(ひとり)()です。
I'm an only child.
一人(ひとり)()から兄弟(きょうだい)ほしかった。
Since I'm an only child, I wanted siblings.
Families with only children are increasing recently.

一人(ひとり)() refers to a child with no siblings. The っ() suffix gives a colloquial, familiar tone.

Common patterns

Cultural note

With Japan's declining birth rate (少子化(しょうしか)), 一人(ひとり)() families have become increasingly common. There is a common stereotype that only children are spoiled ((あま)やかされている) or selfish, though this is often inaccurate.

Variant

一人子(ひとりご) is a more formal/literary alternative.