養子

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 養子 (ようし) is a noun for a child, or legal status, established through adoption.
• Basic usage: 養子として迎える receives a relative’s child in the legal capacity of an adopted child, while 養子を迎えた家族 modifies a family that has adopted a child.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Role marking legal status
  • 養子として uses として to mark the legal status in which the child enters, while 養子を迎える makes that child the object. This is not merely welcoming a visitor.