Your Complete Guide To Addressing Family Members in Chinese
Arriving at relatives' homes to pay New Year's visits, many young people often address their elders uniformly as "Uncle" and "Auntie," lacking clarity on the proper familial titles. Mastering familial terms is not just a display of courtesy but also a sign of respect for Chinese culture.
During the Lunar New Year, visiting relatives' homes is a customary tradition. Upon stepping into the relative's house, one is often faced with unfamiliar relatives, and the most awkward situation arises when unsure about how to address them. Calling them incorrectly can be embarrassing, while refraining from addressing them is impolite. Many individuals opt to refer to all elders as "Uncle" and "Auntie."
The deep roots of Chinese traditional culture emphasize the significance of generational hierarchy in traditional etiquette, particularly in ancient times, where the hierarchy of generations and the distinction between elders and juniors have been upheld for thousands of years. This tradition underscores the importance of familial relationships and respect for elders.
In celebrating the New Year, children often present two mandarin oranges and offer New Year's greetings to their elders. Only after offering New Year's wishes can children receive red packets. Parents believe that they can assist children in understanding familial relationships, fostering opportunities for them to address relatives correctly through family visits and interactions.
Teaching children to address elders upon entering a place is a traditional practice that persists today. It is polite and respectful to address relatives properly. Teaching children to do so is essential. In Singapore, children are exposed to English content throughout the day, and both language and thoughts are heavily Westernized. If parents neglect to teach their children about Chinese culture, the children will lose their roots, which is regrettable.
Bringing children to family gatherings provides them with opportunities to learn about familial terms indirectly. When encountering uncertain terms of address, it is important to find the answers and then teach children. This is the commitment of being a parent. Instilling in children the habit of addressing people from a young age ensures that they will not face challenges in addressing elders when they grow up.
Maintaining the order of seniority and understanding the distinction between elders and juniors is crucial. Children must show politeness, love, and compassion towards their elders because they will witness their elders aging, making it essential to cultivate respect and love for elders from a young age. By preserving these cultural practices, families uphold traditions and pass down valuable lessons of respect and kinship to future generations.
A Guide to Addressing Relatives
Let's dive into the rich tapestry of Chinese family customs! From the cherished bonds with parents and siblings to the endearing relationships with in-laws and grandparents, each term sparkles with its own unique meaning and significance. Join us on an exhilarating adventure through the heart of Chinese familial traditions, where respect and filial piety flourish. Get ready to embark on this journey with Tigo as we unravel the mysteries and joys of family connections!
Parents and Siblings:
Father in Chinese: 爸爸 (bàba)
Mother in Chinese: 妈妈 (māmā)
Older Brother in Chinese: 哥哥 (gēgē)
Younger Brother in Chinese: 弟弟 (dìdì)
Older Sister in Chinese: 姐姐 (jiějiě)
-Younger Sister in Chinese: 妹妹 (mèimei)
Grandparents:
Paternal Grandmother in Chinese: 奶奶 (nǎinai)
Maternal Grandmother in Chinese: 外婆 (wàipó)
Paternal Grandfather in Chinese: 爷爷 (yéyé)
Maternal Grandfather in Chinese: 外公 (wàigōng)
Aunts and Uncles (Father's Side):
Father’s Elder Brother in Chinese: 伯伯 (bóbo)
Father’s Elder Brother’s Wife in Chinese: 伯母 (bómǔ)
Father’s Younger Brother in Chinese: 叔叔 (shūshu)
Father’s Younger Brother’s Wife in Chinese: 婶婶 (shěnshěn)
Father’s Elder Sister in Chinese: 姑姑 (gūgū)
Father’s Elder Sister’s Husband in Chinese: 姑父 (gūfū)
Aunts and Uncles (Mother's Side):
Mother’s Brother in Chinese: 舅舅 (jiùjiu)
Mother’s Brother’s Wife in Chinese: 舅妈 (jiùmā)
Mother’s Elder or Younger Sister in Chinese: 阿姨 (āyí)
Mother’s Sister’s Husband in Chinese: 姨丈 (yízhàng)
Cousins:
Father’s Brother’s/Sister’s Son (Older) in Chinese: 堂哥 (táng gē)
Father’s Brother’s/Sister’s Son (Younger) in Chinese: 堂弟 (táng dì)
Father’s Brother’s/Sister’s Daughter (Older) in Chinese: 堂姐 (táng jiě)
Father’s Brother’s/Sister’s Daughter (Younger) in Chinese: 堂妹 (táng mèi)
Mother’s Brother’s/Sister’s Son (Older) in Chinese: 表哥 (biǎo gē)
Mother’s Brother’s/Sister’s Son (Younger) in Chinese: 表弟 (biǎo dì)
Mother’s Brother’s/Sister’s Daughter (Older) in Chinese: 表姐 (biǎo jiě)
Mother’s Brother’s/Sister’s Daughter (Younger) in Chinese: 表妹 (biǎo mèi)
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