chị dâu
[t͡ɕi˧˨ʔ zəw˧˧]
The English phrase sister-in-law is translated into Vietnamese as chị dâu.
In Vietnamese, you must distinguish between a sister-in-law who is older than you and one who is younger than you when choosing the correct term. The term chị dâu is specifically used for a sister-in-law who is the wife of your older brother.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of chị (older sister) and dâu (daughter-in-law/daughter-in-law relation), literally meaning 'older sister-in-law'.
Which one should you use?
While chị dâu refers to the wife of an older brother, em dâu is used for the wife of a younger brother.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some southern Vietnamese dialects, it is common to use the term cô instead of chị to address an older sister-in-law formally.
Did you know?
- The word dâu has an etymological connection to names of fruit-bearing trees, specifically through a historical spelling link to giâu.
Examples in context
- Chị dâu của tôi rất hiền.My sister-in-law is very kind.
- Anh ấy đang đi mua quà cho chị dâu.He is buying a gift for his sister-in-law.
- Chị dâu tôi nấu ăn rất ngon.My sister-in-law cooks very delicious food.
Example conversation
Hương and Hùng are talking about Hùng's older brother's family.
- HươngChị dâu của Hùng khỏe không?How is your sister-in-law, Hùng?
- HùngChị dâu tôi vẫn khỏe.My sister-in-law is still doing well.
- HươngChị ấy làm nghề gì vậy?What is her job?
- HùngChị ấy là giáo viên.She is a teacher.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry chị dâu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chị, dâu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
