Language/Yue-chinese/Vocabulary/Family
Hi Yue Chinese learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn about family members in Yue Chinese. Family is an important part of Chinese culture, and knowing the vocabulary for family members can help you connect with native speakers on a personal level.
Finish this lesson and explore these related pages: Drinks, Learn How to Understand and Give Directions in Yue Chinese, Geography & Numbers 1 100.
Basic Vocabulary[edit | edit source]
Here are some basic family members in Yue Chinese:
| Yue Chinese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 父親 (fù qin) | foo-chin | father |
| 母親 (mǔ qin) | moo-chin | mother |
| 兄弟 (xiōng dì) | shong-dee | brothers |
| 姐妹 (jiě mèi) | jyeh-may | sisters |
| 女兒 (nǚ ěr) | noo-air | daughter |
| 兒子 (ér zǐ) | air-zuh | son |
| 奶奶 (nǎi nǎi) | nai-nai | grandmother (mother's side) |
| 爺爺 (yé ye) | yeh-yeh | grandfather (father's side) |
| 妻子 (qī zi) | chee-dzuh | wife |
| 丈夫 (zhàng fu) | jong-foo | husband |
Extended Vocabulary[edit | edit source]
In addition, here are some less commonly used family members in Yue Chinese:
| Yue Chinese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 伯父 (bó fù) | boh-foo | paternal uncle |
| 伯母 (bó mǔ) | boh-moo | paternal aunt |
| 叔父 (shū fù) | shoo-foo | maternal uncle |
| 嬸嬸 (shěn shen) | shen-shen | maternal aunt |
| 女婿 (nǚ xù) | noo-shoo | son-in-law |
| 女婦 (nǚ fù) | noo-foo | daughter-in-law |
It is important to note that Chinese culture places a strong emphasis on respect for elders. You may notice that there are different words for grandparents depending on their side of the family. It is common to address grandparents using their respective titles of 奶奶 (nǎi nǎi) or 爺爺 (yé ye).
Dialogue[edit | edit source]
Here is a dialogue between two family members:
- 人1 (Person 1): 爸爸，您好嗎？ (Ba ba, nin hao ma?) (Dad, how are you?)
- 人2 (Person 2): 我很好，謝謝！你呢？ (Wo hen hao, xie xie! Ni ne?) (I'm doing well, thank you! How about you?)
- 人1 (Person 1): 我也很好。這是我女朋友。她叫莉莉。（Wo ye hen hao. Zhe shi wo nu peng you. Ta jiao Li Li.) (I'm doing well too. This is my girlfriend, Lily.)
- 人2 (Person 2): 很高興認識你，莉莉。 (Hen gao xing ren shi ni, Li Li.) (Nice to meet you, Lily.)
Fun Fact[edit | edit source]
In Chinese tradition, there is a naming system for family members based on generation and gender. For example, all cousins are referred to using the same term, regardless of age or gender. This can be helpful when trying to navigate and remember family relationships!
Practice[edit | edit source]
In order to practice using the vocabulary for family members, try having a conversation in Yue Chinese with a native speaker on the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!
Don't forget to check out the Vocabulary page for more words and phrases in Yue Chinese.
Sources[edit | edit source]
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Days 日子
- How to Say Hello and Greetings
- Clothes
- Animals
- Languages 語言
- Food
- Health
- Geography
- Days of the Week
- Feelings and Emotions