When learning Chinese, understanding how to discuss relationships and family is essential, as these are common topics in everyday conversation. Below is a list of key vocabulary related to relationships and family in Chinese, complete with definitions and example sentences.
家庭 (jiā tíng) – Family
他的家庭非常和谐。
This term encompasses the immediate family unit and is used widely in conversation.
父亲 (fù qīn) – Father
我的父亲是一名医生。
This is the formal term for father, often used in written language or formal speech.
母亲 (mǔ qīn) – Mother
每年母亲节我都会送花给我的母亲。
Similar to ‘父亲’, this is a more formal term for mother.
爸爸 (bàba) – Dad
我爸爸喜欢钓鱼。
A more colloquial term for father, used more frequently in spoken Chinese.
妈妈 (māma) – Mom
妈妈的菜做得最好吃。
This is the casual term for mother, commonly used in everyday conversation.
兄弟 (xiōng dì) – Brothers
我有两个兄弟，我们经常一起玩。
Used to refer to brothers within a family, can be used for both older and younger brothers.
姐妹 (jiě mèi) – Sisters
她有三个姐妹，都很漂亮。
This term refers to sisters, and like ‘兄弟’, it encompasses both older and younger sisters.
孩子 (hái zi) – Child
他们有三个孩子。
A general term used to refer to children, regardless of age.
儿子 (ér zi) – Son
他们的儿子今年十岁。
Specifically refers to a son within a family.
女儿 (nǚ’ér) – Daughter
他的女儿是个医生。
Specifically used to refer to a daughter.
配偶 (pèi ǒu) – Spouse
他的配偶是个律师。
A formal term for spouse, applicable to both husband and wife.
丈夫 (zhàng fu) – Husband
她的丈夫经常出差。
Used specifically to refer to a husband.
妻子 (qī zi) – Wife
他的妻子是个老师。
Refers specifically to a wife.
爷爷 (yéye) – Grandfather (paternal)
我爷爷以前是教师。
This term refers to a paternal grandfather.
奶奶 (nǎinai) – Grandmother (paternal)
奶奶每天都给我做早餐。
Used for a paternal grandmother.
外公 (wài gōng) – Grandfather (maternal)
我外公喜欢园艺。
Refers to a maternal grandfather.
外婆 (wài pó) – Grandmother (maternal)
外婆会讲很多有趣的故事。
This term is used for a maternal grandmother.
叔叔 (shū shu) – Uncle
叔叔住在北京。
A general term for uncle, can be used to refer to the younger brother of one’s father.
阿姨 (ā yí) – Aunt
阿姨是个护士。
Can refer to the sister of one’s mother, or a general term for a woman of one’s parent’s age.
表兄弟 (biǎo xiōng dì) – Male cousins (maternal side)
我和我的表兄弟这个周末去爬山。
Used to refer to male cousins on one’s mother’s side.
表姐妹 (biǎo jiě mèi) – Female cousins (maternal side)
我的表姐妹是个很好的朋友。
Refers to female cousins on the maternal side of the family.
堂兄弟 (táng xiōng dì) – Male cousins (paternal side)
堂兄弟们经常在一起打篮球。
Used for male cousins on the paternal side.
堂姐妹 (táng jiě mèi) – Female cousins (paternal side)
堂姐妹们一起参加了舞蹈课。
Refers to female cousins on the father’s side.
Learning these terms will not only expand your vocabulary but also enhance your ability to engage in more personal and meaningful conversations in Chinese. As with any language, practice is key, so try using these words in your daily conversations to solidify your knowledge.
