referring to children: 子, 子供, or お子さん?


This is an issue that came up with my host family quite often. I have never
been quite clear on which to use. In particular, 子 seems somewhat rude (much
to the same effect as 男 or 女). On the other hand, 子供 "seems" less rude, but
I'm not entirely sure if that's the case. Finally, お子さん seems very polite (for
obvious reasons), but it seems almost too polite--especially to refer to kids,
with whom you would most likely use casual language.

What is the difference between 子, 子供, and お子さん?




子ども seems appropriate. If you want to be a tad more polite/considerate use
their name: 真紀子ちゃん/健太郎君 for girls/boys under 10 and りんさん/正吉さん for girls/boys
over 10.

お子さん is used for addressing the parents, not the child directly.

> お子さんは何人いらっしゃるんですか。

子 by itself seems quite direct and is best reserved for parents talking about
their own children.

> この子は本当にお利口だから、助かるのよ。




子ども seems appropriate. If you want to be a tad more polite/considerate use
their name: 真紀子ちゃん/健太郎君 for girls/boys under 10 and りんさん/正吉さん for girls/boys
over 10.

お子さん is used for addressing the parents, not the child directly.

> お子さんは何人いらっしゃるんですか。

子 by itself seems quite direct and is best reserved for parents talking about
their own children.

> この子は本当にお利口だから、助かるのよ。

