oyaji

Oyaji is a Japanese noun (written親父) meaning “father” or “dad” in informal speech. It can refer to one’s own father or, more generally, to an older man regarded as paternal or familiar. The term is less formal than otōsan and often carries a mix of warmth, affection, and sometimes blunt masculinity.

The word derives from the character for parent (親) with a colloquial ending, and it is commonly used in everyday conversation rather than in formal settings. It can be spoken by children toward their father, by adults toward an older man, or by others to evoke a paternal or rough-and-tumble image.

In culture, oyaji is associated with a certain archetype: a boisterous, sometimes stubborn but well-meaning middle-aged man. This stereotype appears in media, advertising, and everyday language, where an oyaji figure may offer blunt advice, protection, or humor.

Humor related to the term includes the oyaji gag, a genre of dad jokes that rely on wordplay, puns, or predictable punchlines. The oyaji gag is common in Japanese comedy, manzai routines, and television, and the term has permeated popular culture beyond family contexts.

Usage notes: The tone of oyaji can range from affectionate to teasing to rough. In formal or unfamiliar situations, otōsan is typically preferred. In casual settings or when describing a familiar figure, oyaji conveys intimacy or a stereotyped paternal presence. See also otōsan and oyaji gag.