舅舅
jiùjiu
The Chinese phrase for "uncle on mother's side" is 舅舅 (jiùjiu).
舅舅 is used to refer to one's maternal uncle. In Chinese culture, it functions both as a noun to refer to him in conversation and as a title to address him directly.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is built from the character 舅 (jiù), which specifically refers to a maternal uncle.
Which one should you use?
舅舅 is used specifically for the mother's brother, whereas 叔叔 (shūshu) is used for the father's younger brother.
How does it change in a sentence?
The term is formed by the reduplication of the character 舅. Repeating the character is a common way to create kinship terms used for addressing or referring to a relative.
How do you pronounce it?
jiùjiu
Did you know?
- In certain traditional wedding customs, the 舅舅 plays a specific ritual role in welcoming the bride or providing gifts, reflecting his high status in the maternal lineage.
- While 舅舅 specifically means maternal uncle, in some regional customs, children might call a close family friend who is a peer of their mother 舅舅 as a sign of intimacy.
- Even if you are very close to your maternal uncle, using his actual given name instead of the title 舅舅 is often considered a social taboo. Doing so can make you appear poorly raised or disrespectful to the family.
Examples in context
- 我舅舅是一名医生。Wǒ jiùjiu shì yī míng yīshēng.My uncle is a doctor.
- 你舅舅住在哪里？Nǐ jiùjiu zhù zài nǎlǐ?Where does your uncle live?
- 我打算去探望舅舅。Wǒ dǎsuàn qù tànwàng jiùjiu.I plan to visit my uncle.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their family during a lunch break.
- 梓涵 Zihan浩然，你舅舅最近好吗？Hàorán, nǐ jiùjiu zuìjìn hǎo ma?Haoran, how is your uncle doing lately?
- 浩然 Haoran他很好，谢谢你的关心。Tā hěn hǎo, xièxiè nǐ de guānxīn.He is very well, thank you for asking.
- 梓涵 Zihan他还在那家医院工作吗？Tā hái zài nà jiā yīyuàn gōngzuò ma?Is he still working at that hospital?
- 浩然 Haoran是的，他还是医生。Shì de, tā háishì yīshēng.Yes, he is still a doctor.
