父母
fùmǔ
In Chinese, the phrase for "mother and father" is 父母 (fùmǔ).
The term 父母 is a collective term used to refer to both parents of a person.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 父母 is composed of 父 (father) and 母 (mother).
Which one should you use?
While 父母 means "parents", it is more formal and often used in written contexts or when speaking about someone else's parents, whereas 爸妈 is used more frequently in casual conversation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In casual spoken Chinese, it is more common to use the colloquial term 爸妈 to mean "mom and dad". If you are referring specifically to a father, 父亲 is a formal term, while 爸爸 and 爸 are informal ways to address or refer to one's father.
How do you pronounce it?
fùmǔ
Did you know?
- The character for mother, 母, is a pictograph that originally depicted a woman with prominent breasts, emphasizing the biological essence of motherhood.
- In ancient Chinese philosophy, the term 父母 was often extended to include the emperor, who was viewed as the 'father and mother' of the entire nation.
- In traditional Chinese culture, the term 父母 is used in the phrase 父母在, which literally means 'parents are present' to indicate they are still alive.
Examples in context
- 你父母親在家嗎？Were your mother and father home?This sentence is useful for asking if someone's 父母 are home.Tatoeba #865579 by Martha, translation #70952 by CK
- 我跟父母住在一起.I live with my mother and father.This sentence is useful for stating that one lives with one's 父母.Tatoeba #180712 by Kiwi, translation #7156432 by Kiwi
- 我非常尊敬我的父母。Wǒ fēicháng zūnjìng wǒ de fùmǔ.I respect my parents very much.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their family during a coffee break.
- 志强 Zhiqiang你父母最近身体好吗？Nǐ fùmǔ zuìjìn shēntǐ hǎo ma?How is your parents' health lately?
- 梓涵 Zihan他们身体都很健康。Tāmen shēntǐ dōu hěn jiànkāng.They are both very healthy.
- 志强 Zhiqiang那真是太好了。Nà zhēnshì tài hǎole.That is wonderful news.
- 梓涵 Zihan谢谢你的关心。Xièxiè nǐ de guānxīn.Thank you for your concern.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
