祖

N4

おや

親

[oya]

Illustration for 祖

Meanings

1.Noun

parent; parents; mother and father

2.Noun

founder; inventor

3.Noun

(pet) owner

4.No-adjNoun

key; parent (organization); main

5.Noun

ancestor; forefather

Less common meanings (1)

6.NounJargon

《card games; mahjong》dealer; banker

Other Readings

「祖」 has another reading with different meanings.

祖（そ）
ancestor; forefather; progenitor

Related Words

子（し）see also
child (esp. a boy)

Examples

祖の教えを大切にしている。

I cherish the teachings of my parents.

この子は祖に似ている。

This child resembles the parents.

祖の世代とは価値観が違う。

Values differ from the parents' generation.