1.
eldest son; first-born son
The oldest son in a family. In traditional Japanese family systems, the eldest son had special responsibilities including inheriting the household.
彼は田中家の長男だ。
He is the eldest son of the Tanaka family.
長男が家を継ぐのが当然とされていた。
It was considered natural for the eldest son to inherit the household.
うちの長男は来年大学を卒業して就職する予定だ。
Our eldest son is scheduled to graduate from university and start working next year.
Compound of 長 (eldest/senior) + 男 (son/male).
In traditional Japanese society, the 長男 held a special position as the heir who would inherit the family name, property, and the responsibility of caring for aging parents. This expectation is less rigid today but still culturally significant.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 長男として (as the eldest son)
- 長男が家を継ぐ (the eldest son inherits the household)
- 長男が生まれる (the first son is born)
USAGE NOTE:
In casual speech, people often say 上の息子 (older son) instead. 長男 is more formal.