【Learn Chinese】Chinese Lesson: The Chinese Family Tree (Part 1)

The Chinese Family Tree takes some time getting used to, but it’s not as bad as you think!
The complicated Chinese family tree is one that leaves you scratching your head, but don’t worry. We’ve prepared this superb guide which will help you very much along the way!
So, let’s start with the basics.

Mom: 妈妈 māma
Dad: 爸爸 bàba
Wife: 妻子 / 老婆 qīzi / lǎopó
Husband: 丈夫 / 老公 zhàngfū / lǎogōng
Older brother: 哥哥 gēge
Older sister: 姐姐 jiějie
Younger brother: 弟弟 dìdi
Younger sister: 妹妹 mèimei
Son: 儿子 érzi
Daughter: 女儿 nǚ’ér

Next up: How to say Grandma/Grandpa in Chinese. It depends if you talk about your mom’s or dad’s parents.
Dad’s side:
Grandmother – 奶奶 (Nǎinai)
Grandfather – 爷爷 (Yéye)
Mum’s side:
Grandmother – 外婆 (wài pó)
Grandfather – 外公 (wàigōng)

How to say niece/nephew:
Niece:
Brother’s daughter – 侄女 (zhínǚ)
Sister’s daughter – 外甥女 (wàishengnǚ)
Nephew:
Brother’s son – 侄子 (zhízi)
Sister’s son – 外甥 (wàisheng)

So far, so good. You want to know how to say aunt/uncle or how to talk about your in-laws? Read Part 2 of this article!