姨妈
yímā
The English phrase 'aunt on mom's side' is translated into Chinese as 姨妈 (yímā).
姨妈 is used to denote the sister of one's mother. In Chinese culture, this specific term is used both to denote the biological relationship and as a direct form of address when speaking to her.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of 姨 (yí), which refers to a maternal aunt and 妈 (mā), which means mother.
How do you pronounce it?
yímā
Did you know?
- While 姨妈 refers to your mother's sister, you might also use it as a polite way to address middle-aged women who are strangers. It functions as a social lubricant to show respect to an elder woman in public.
- In many Chinese families, you should not call your biological 姨妈 by her given name, even in casual settings. Using her name can be seen as disrespectful or overly familiar, as titles are used to maintain social hierarchy.
- Beyond biological aunts, 姨妈 or simply 姨 can be used to address older women who are close friends of the mother, regardless of whether they are related by blood.
Examples in context
- 我姨妈今天过生日。Wǒ yímā jīntiān guò shēngrì.My aunt on my mom's side is celebrating her birthday today.
- 这是我姨妈的照片。Zhè shì wǒ yímā de zhàopiàn.This is a photo of my aunt on my mom's side.
- 我姨妈现在住在上海。Wǒ yímā xiànzài zhù zài Shànghǎi.My aunt on my mom's side lives in Shanghai now.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their family members.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen你姨妈给你寄礼物了吗？Nǐ yímā gěi nǐ jì lǐwù le ma?Did your aunt on your mom's side send you a gift?
- 俊杰 Junjie是的，她刚寄来了一盒巧克力。Shì de, tā gāng jì lái le yì hé qiǎokèlì.Yes, she just sent a box of chocolates.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen你姨妈真细心。Nǐ yímā zhēn xìxīn.Your aunt is so thoughtful.
- 俊杰 Junjie她一直对我很好。Tā yìzhí duì wǒ hěn hǎo.She has always been very kind to me.
