御令息

ごれいそく
noun
your son; another's son (honorific)
1. your son; someone else's son (respectful)
A respectful term for the son of the person one is addressing or referring to, used in formal speech, letters, and ceremonial occasions. The female counterpart is 御令嬢(ごれいじょう).
御令息(ごれいそく)のご活躍(かつやく)を伺(うかが)いました。
I have heard of your son's fine accomplishments.
この度(たび)は御令息(ごれいそく)のご結婚(けっこん)、おめでとうございます。
Congratulations on your son's marriage.
社長(しゃちょう)の御令息(ごれいそく)が会社(かいしゃ)を継(つ)ぐことになった。
The president's son is to take over the company.

Formed from the honorific prefix 御(ご) + 令息(れいそく) (another's son). A formal keigo term used to elevate the listener's family; never used for one's own son.

USAGE:

  • Appears mainly in formal letters, speeches, and announcements (weddings, funerals, business).
  • In everyday conversation, 息子(むすこ)さん is the ordinary polite equivalent.

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 御令嬢(ごれいじょう): your daughter (honorific) — the female counterpart.
  • 息子(むすこ)さん: your son — polite but far more casual and common in speech.
general
Added 2026.7.11 9:20
29500/29766_goreisoku