亲属
qīnshǔ
The English word 'kindred' is translated into Chinese as 亲属 (qīnshǔ).
亲属 is used to refer to one's relatives or kin. It is most commonly used in legal, formal or biological contexts.
Meaning: of the same nature (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The character 亲 (qīn) means close, intimate or related to parents/kin.
How do you pronounce it?
qīnshǔ
Did you know?
- In digital contexts, the character 亲 is used as a slang term for 'dear' or 'customer', similar to how one might say 'hey there' in an online shop. It transforms a serious term for 'kin' into a cute, casual greeting.
- If you are describing a 'kindred spirit', a Chinese speaker might use 志同道合 instead. This phrase literally translates to 'having the same will and walking the same path'.
- Chinese kinship terms are so specific that there are different words for 'kindred' depending on whether the relative is from the father's side or the mother's side. Using the wrong term in a formal context can be seen as a lack of education.
Examples in context
- 我非常珍惜和我的亲属的关系。I value my relationship with my kindred very much.
- 这个组织深深关心我们亲族的福祉。This organization deeply cares about the welfare of our kindred.
- 周末我常常和亲戚们一起吃饭。I often have meals with my kindred over the weekends.
Example conversation
Wei and Jiayi are discussing their shared hobbies in a cafe.
- 伟 Wei我觉得你对生活的看法很亲属。Wǒ juéde nǐ duì shēnghuó de kànfǎ hěn qīnshǔ.I feel that your view of life is kindred to mine.
- 佳怡 Jiayi我也这么觉得，我们很有默契。Wǒ yě zhème juéde, wǒmen hěn yǒu mòqì.I think so too, we are very much in sync.
- 伟 Wei难怪我们聊得这么愉快。Nánguài wǒmen liáo de zhème yúkuài.No wonder we are chatting so pleasantly.
- 佳怡 Jiayi是的，伟，我们是志同道合的人。Shì de, Wěi, wǒmen shì zhìtóngdàohé de rén.Yes, Wei, we are like-minded people.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
