舅公
jiùgōng
The Chinese phrase for great uncle is 舅公 (jiùgōng), which specifically refers to the brother of one's grandmother on the mother's side.
舅公 is used to identify a specific relative: the brother of your maternal grandmother.
How do you pronounce it?
jiùgōng
Did you know?
- In many Chinese social settings, calling a stranger 'uncle' is a common way to show respect, but using the specific term 舅公 would signal a very strict and formal familial tie.
- In traditional Chinese culture, the maternal side 舅 was often viewed as having a different emotional role than the paternal side, leading to distinct sets of honorifics and expectations for these relatives.
- The structure of 舅公 follows a logic where the first character 舅 identifies the maternal side and the second character 公 signifies a grandfather-level seniority.
Examples in context
- 我的伯公非常慈祥。My great uncle is very kind and amiable.
- 我舅公住在上海。Wǒ jiùgōng zhù zài Shànghǎi.My great uncle lives in Shanghai.
- 这位是我的舅公。Zhè wèi shì wǒ de jiùgōng.This is my great uncle.
- 舅公最近身体很好。Jiùgōng zuìjìn shēntǐ hěn hǎo.Great uncle has been in good health lately.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about family members.
- 雨婷 Yuting你舅公身体怎么样？Nǐ jiùgōng shēntǐ zěnmeyàng?How is your great uncle's health?
- 志强 Zhiqiang他很好，谢谢关心。Tā hěn hǎo, xièxiè guānxīn.He is very well, thanks for asking.
- 雨婷 Yuting你经常去看望他吗？Nǐ jīngcháng qù kànwàng tā ma?Do you visit him often?
- 志强 Zhiqiang每个月我都会去看他。Měi gè yuè wǒ dū huì qù kàn tā.I visit him every month.
