親

a parent; one’s mother or father, or someone who raises and cares for a child

Etymology

A native Japanese word, attested since Old Japanese as oya; written with the kanji 親, whose Sino-Japanese reading is shin.

Character Breakdown

Collocations

the dealer, banker, or starting player in games such as mahjong, card games, or gambling

Etymology

An extension of the basic sense “parent,” referring to the central or controlling player in a game.

Character Breakdown

Collocations

a parent, main, or source entity from which another thing derives or is subordinate

Etymology

A figurative extension of “parent,” meaning the original or main thing in relation to its offshoots or dependents.

Character Breakdown

Collocations

pro-; friendly to or favoring something, used chiefly as a Sino-Japanese combining element in compounds

Etymology

From the Sino-Japanese reading shin of 親, meaning closeness or affinity; used productively in compounds.

Character Breakdown

Collocations