Understanding family and kinship terms in Chinese is essential for learners as it reflects the cultural importance of family in China. The Chinese family structure is traditionally hierarchical and complex, with specific titles for every family member, which can be quite different from English. Here, we’ll explore some of the most common and important family and kinship terms in Chinese.
家 (jiā) – This means “family” or “home” in Chinese.
他很想念他的家。
父亲 (fùqīn) – This word is used for “father.”
这是我的父亲。
母亲 (mǔqīn) – This term means “mother.”
母亲正在厨房做饭。
爸爸 (bàba) – A casual and commonly used word for “dad” or “father.”
爸爸今天很忙。
妈妈 (māma) – The informal and common term for “mom” or “mother.”
妈妈是一位老师。
兄弟 (xiōngdì) – This means “brothers” or can refer to “siblings” in a broader sense.
他有两个兄弟。
姐妹 (jiěmèi) – This term is used for “sisters” or generally “siblings.”
她是我的小姐妹。
哥哥 (gēge) – Refers to an “older brother.”
我的哥哥是医生。
弟弟 (dìdi) – This term means “younger brother.”
我帮助我的弟弟做作业。
姐姐 (jiějie) – Means “older sister.”
姐姐在大学学习法律。
妹妹 (mèimei) – Refers to a “younger sister.”
我的妹妹喜欢唱歌。
祖父 (zǔfù) – This is the formal term for “grandfather.”
祖父每天早上都去散步。
祖母 (zǔmǔ) – The formal term for “grandmother.”
祖母是个很好的厨师。
外祖父 (wàizǔfù) – Means “maternal grandfather.”
外祖父住在乡下。
外祖母 (wàizǔmǔ) – This term is used for “maternal grandmother.”
外祖母喜欢园艺。
叔叔 (shūshu) – Refers to “uncle,” specifically a younger brother of one’s father.
叔叔是一位工程师。
阿姨 (āyí) – This word can mean “aunt” or “a respectful way to address a middle-aged woman.”
阿姨,您好！
舅舅 (jiùjiu) – Means “uncle,” specifically a mother’s brother.
舅舅会说三种语言。
舅妈 (jiùmā) – Refers to “aunt,” specifically the wife of a mother’s brother.
舅妈是位律师。
侄子 (zhízi) – The term used for “nephew.”
侄子在上小学。
侄女 (zhínǚ) – This means “niece.”
侄女非常擅长画画。
孙子 (sūnzi) – Refers to “grandson.”
孙子今年五岁。
孙女 (sūnnǚ) – This word is used for “granddaughter.”
孙女正在学习钢琴。
Learning these terms not only helps in everyday communication but also provides insight into the familial bonds and respect for hierarchy that are deeply ingrained in Chinese culture. Understanding these nuances is vital for anyone seeking to fully engage with and appreciate Chinese society.
