Explaining Your Family
“I have a younger sister and an older brother.”
“I live with my husband and our two children.”
“I live in Tokyo with my wife. My parents live in Nagoya.”
“I live with my husband and my mother-in-law.” (my husband’s mother)
“This is my niece, Maria.”
Asking About Families
Be careful! In western culture it can be rude to ask about families, especially if you’re talking to a woman.
Q. “Do you have any brothers or sisters?”
A. “Yes, I have a sister.” (or “No, I’m an only-child.”)
Q. “Are you married?”
A. “Yes, I am.” (or “No, I’m single.” or “I’m divorced.”)
Q. “Do you have any children?”
A. “Yes, I have a son and two daughters.”
Q. “Do you have any grandchildren?”
A. “Yes, I have four grandchildren.”
Types Of Families
“In Japanese cities many people live alone.”
“Single-parent families are common in Denmark and the UK.”
“Nuclear families are usual in most countries.”
“Some people in the Japanese countryside live with their extended family.” (Grandparents, parents and children living together)