How to Say ‘Your father-in-law’ in Japanese
お義父さん
o tou san
[o too-SAHN san]
💬 Usage Tip: 義 ("in-law") is written but not said, so this is pronounced (otōsan), exactly like "father". Likewise お義母さん is (okāsan).
🇯🇵 In Japan: Many people address their father-in-law directly as お義父さん. In Japanese it sounds natural and affectionate, even though calling him "Father" might feel odd in English.
Phrase Breakdown
お
o
[o]
polite prefix
Prefix added for politeness.
お名前は？
What is your name?
義父
tou
[too-SAHN]
father-in-law
Spouse's father; with お and さん it is a polite address.
義父は釣りが好きです。
My father-in-law likes fishing.
さん
san
[san]
Mr.; Ms.; polite suffix
A polite suffix added to a person's name or role.
お医者さんが来ました。
The doctor came.
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