Greetings! If you’re looking to expand your Chinese vocabulary and learn how to express the term “in-laws,” you’ve come to the right place. Whether you want to refer to your relatives by marriage or discuss this topic in a casual conversation, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to express “in-laws” in Chinese. Throughout this guide, we’ll provide you with various tips, examples, and even touch upon regional variations. So, let’s dive in and uncover how to say “in-laws” in Chinese!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “In-Laws” in Chinese
When it comes to formal or polite language, Chinese offers several options to express the term “in-laws.” Below are three common formal expressions:
- 岳父岳母 (yuè fù yuè mǔ) – This term refers to the parents of one’s spouse. “岳父 (yuè fù)” specifically means “father-in-law,” while “岳母 (yuè mǔ)” translates to “mother-in-law.” It’s important to note that this term is mostly used in written or formal settings, such as official documents or respectful conversations.
- 公婆 (gōng pó) – An abbreviated form, this term combines the words “公公 (gōng gong)” for “father-in-law” and “婆婆 (pó po)” for “mother-in-law.” Unlike the previous expression, “公婆 (gōng pó)” is more commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.
- 亲家 (qìng jiā) – This term has a broader meaning and is used to describe the relationship between two families brought together by marriage. While it can include the concept of “in-laws,” it primarily emphasizes the connection between families rather than specifically referring to individual relatives.
Informal Ways to Say “In-Laws” in Chinese
When it comes to informal language or conversations with friends and peers, Chinese offers various options to express “in-laws.” Below are some commonly used informal expressions:
1. 老丈人/丈母娘 (lǎo zhàng rén/ zhàng mǔ niáng)
When you’re looking for a more casual way to refer to your spouse’s parents, these terms come to the rescue. “老丈人 (lǎo zhàng rén)” refers to the father-in-law, while “丈母娘 (zhàng mǔ niáng)” is used for the mother-in-law. These terms can also be shortened colloquially to “老丈/丈母 (lǎo zhàng/ zhàng mǔ).”
2. 内人/内子 (nèi rén/nèi zi)
In some regions, such as parts of southern China, these terms are commonly used to refer to one’s spouse’s parents. “内人 (nèi rén)” means “mother-in-law” while “内子 (nèi zi)” refers to “father-in-law.”
Regional Variations
Every region in China has its own unique linguistic characteristics. Therefore, it’s worth mentioning some regional variations in terms of how to say “in-laws”:
In parts of northern China, a common informal way to refer to the parents of one’s spouse is using the term “泥煤 (ní méi).” This term carries a playful and endearing tone, providing a friendly connotation to the relationship.
In other regions, such as southeastern China, you may come across the term “上门老 (shàng mén lǎo)” or “上门女 (shàng mén nǚ)” to describe the parents of one’s spouse. These expressions are more specific to the relationship with the parents and are used colloquially.
Examples in Context
Let’s take a look at some examples to see how these terms are used in different situations:
1. 他的⊲娱⊳很体贴。(Tā de qiānguó hěn tǐtiē.)
(His in-laws are very considerate.)
2. 我们一家和尚常相处得很好。(Wǒmen yījiā hé gōngpó xiāngchǔ de hěn hǎo.)
(Our families get along very well with each other.)
3. 请问，你的尚常住在哪里？(Qǐngwèn, nǐ de gōngpó zhù zài nǎlǐ?)
(May I ask where your in-laws live?)
I hope these examples help you grasp the usage of “in-laws” in Chinese. Remember, using appropriate terms in various contexts will enhance your fluency and understanding of the language!
A Closing Note
Learning how to say “in-laws” in Chinese expands your vocabulary and enables you to express family relationships more accurately. Whether you’re speaking formally or informally, mastering these terms will help you navigate conversations and communicate with ease. Remember, language and culture go hand in hand, so it’s important to practice and respect the customs of the Chinese people. Keep exploring and expanding your Chinese language skills – 加油! (jiāyóu!)
