1.
youngest child; baby of the family
The youngest child in a family. Often associated with being spoiled or doted on by parents and older siblings. Composed of 末 (end, last) + っ子 (child — suffix).
私は三人兄弟の末っ子だ。
I am the youngest of three siblings.
末っ子はいつも甘やかされがちだ。
The youngest child tends to always be spoiled.
末っ子が大学を卒業して、親としてほっとした。
As a parent, I felt relieved when my youngest child graduated from university.
USAGE:
末っ子 is a warm, familiar word used in everyday conversation about families. The stereotype of the 末っ子 in Japanese culture is similar to the Western "baby of the family" — often seen as spoiled, charming, and free-spirited.
RELATED FAMILY TERMS:
- 長男 (eldest son)
- 長女 (eldest daughter)
- 次男 (second son)
- 一人っ子 (only child)
- 真ん中っ子 (middle child)