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息子 and 娘: identifying sons and daughters

Identify whose child is meant without guessing their age.

The relationship of son

息子 (むすこ) means son. 「息子は大学で勉強しています」 says the speaker's son is studying at university.

It also applies to an adult son, as in 「息子は結婚しています」. Do not restrict 息子 to a young boy.

The relationship of daughter

In a family relationship, 娘 (むすめ) means daughter. 「娘から電話がありました」 says there was a call from the daughter.

「娘に電話しました」 means calling the daughter. から and に mark opposite directions for the call.

The reference person

「先生の息子に会いました」 means meeting the teacher's son, not the speaker's own son.

「娘は私より背が高いです」 says the daughter is taller than the speaker. The relationship alone does not determine details of height or age.

Does 「娘から電話がありました」 mean I called my daughter?

Show the answer and why

No. It means the call came from the daughter.

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