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A2 noun #9,500 am häufigsten 10 Min. Lesezeit

堂兄弟

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At the A1 level, students learn the most basic family members like father (爸爸), mother (妈妈), and brothers (哥哥, 弟弟). The word 堂兄弟 (táng xiōng dì) is usually introduced as an extension of these terms. At this stage, you don't need to worry about the deep cultural history. Just remember that it means 'paternal male cousin.' If your father has a brother, and that brother has a son, that son is your 堂兄弟. You can use simple sentences like '我有两个堂兄弟' (I have two paternal male cousins). The focus is on recognizing the word and knowing it refers to a male relative on the father's side. You might see it in simple family tree diagrams. It is helpful to associate the '堂' (táng) with the father's side to start building the distinction from '表' (biǎo) cousins. Don't worry about the complex rules of who is 'older' or 'younger' yet; just treat it as a plural or general term for those specific cousins. Most A1 learners will simply use 'cousin' in English to think about it, but try to remember the 'Father's Brother' rule early on.
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For A2 learners, 堂兄弟 becomes more relevant when describing family gatherings or holidays. You are expected to be able to describe your family in more detail. You should know that 堂兄弟 is a combination of 堂 (paternal/hall) and 兄弟 (brothers). At this level, you should start using measure words correctly, such as '一个堂兄弟' or '三个堂兄弟.' You might use it in sentences like '过年的时候，我的堂兄弟们都来我家玩' (During the New Year, my paternal male cousins all come to my house to play). You should also be able to distinguish between a 堂哥 (older) and a 堂弟 (younger). The A2 level focuses on practical communication, so knowing how to introduce your cousin to someone else is key. '这是我的堂兄弟' is a standard introduction. You should also understand that this term is only for males. If the cousin is female, the word changes to 堂姐妹. Practice identifying which of your real-life cousins would be 堂 and which would be 表.
At the B1 level, you should understand the logic behind the term 堂兄弟 and be able to explain it. You are moving beyond simple identification to understanding the 'why.' You should be able to explain that 堂 (táng) refers to the ancestral hall, indicating a shared paternal lineage. This level requires you to use the word in more complex sentence structures, such as using '虽然...但是...' (although... but...). For example: '虽然他是我的堂兄弟，但我们很少见面' (Although he is my paternal cousin, we rarely meet). You should also be comfortable with the cultural expectation of closeness. In China, 堂兄弟 are often seen as closer than 表兄弟 because they share a surname. You might discuss how the One-Child Policy has affected the number of 堂兄弟 in modern families. Your vocabulary should now include related terms like 亲戚 (relatives) and 家族 (family/clan). You should also be able to handle listening to stories where multiple relatives are mentioned and keep track of who the 堂兄弟 is in the narrative.
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B2 learners should be able to discuss the sociological and historical implications of the term 堂兄弟. You should understand the 'Five Degrees of Mourning' (五服) concept in ancient China, where 堂兄弟 were considered very close relatives with specific ritual obligations. You can use the term in discussions about inheritance, family business, or traditional social structures. At this level, you should be able to use the word in formal writing and understand its nuances in literature. For instance, you might analyze a character in a novel who feels a strong duty toward his 堂兄弟. You should also be aware of regional variations; in some parts of China, the rules for who is considered 'Tang' can be even more specific based on the generation. You should be able to debate the relevance of these specific kinship terms in a modern, globalized world. Your grammar should be flawless when using this term, including the use of formal measure words like '位' and the correct placement of adverbs like '均' (all) or '皆' (all) in formal contexts.
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At the C1 level, your understanding of 堂兄弟 should be near-native. You should be familiar with its use in classical literature (like 'Dream of the Red Chamber') and how it reflects the patriarchal structure of imperial China. You should understand the etymology of the character '堂'—how it evolved from a physical space (the main hall) to a kinship prefix. You can discuss the legal history of the paternal line in Chinese law, such as how 堂兄弟 were treated differently from 表兄弟 in terms of property rights and criminal responsibility (the concept of 'concealing for a relative'). You should be able to pick up on subtle social cues—for example, when a speaker uses '堂兄弟' instead of just '哥哥' to intentionally create a bit of distance or to be precisely descriptive in a formal setting. You should also be able to understand academic texts on sociology or anthropology that use this term to describe Chinese kinship systems (often categorized as the Sudanese kinship system).
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C2 learners possess a master-level grasp of 堂兄弟, including its most obscure uses and its role in the evolution of the Chinese language. You can discuss how the term has adapted to modern 'chosen families' or how it is used metaphorically in business (e.g., 'sister companies' or 'brother companies' might sometimes use similar lineage-based metaphors). You can analyze the linguistic shift from the highly specific 'Tang/Biao' system toward more simplified terms in urban slang. You are capable of translating complex English legal or literary texts into Chinese while maintaining the precise kinship distinctions required. You understand the psychological impact of these terms—how calling someone a 堂兄弟 evokes a sense of 'ancestral hall' belonging that is absent from the more 'external' 表 cousins. You can write academic papers or give professional presentations on the impact of demographic changes on the linguistic survival of specific kinship terms like 堂兄弟 in the 21st century.
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堂兄弟 in 30 Sekunden

  • A specific term for paternal male cousins (father's brother's sons).
  • Rooted in the character '堂' (hall), indicating shared paternal ancestry and surname.
  • Differentiated from '表' (Biao) cousins, who are from the maternal or female paternal lines.
  • Commonly used in family contexts, genealogy, and traditional literature to define 'inner' family.
The Chinese term 堂兄弟 (táng xiōng dì) is a specific kinship term that translates to 'paternal male cousins' in English. However, to truly understand its usage, one must delve into the deep structural roots of Chinese family hierarchy and the concept of lineage. Unlike the English word 'cousin,' which is a 'catch-all' term for any child of one's aunt or uncle, Chinese kinship terms are descriptive and precise, indicating exactly how a person is related to you, their gender, and their age relative to you.
Lineage Distinction
The character 堂 (táng) literally means 'hall' or 'main room.' In ancient China, this referred to the ancestral hall where members of the same paternal clan gathered. Therefore, a 堂兄弟 is a male cousin who shares the same paternal grandfather and, crucially, the same family surname. They are considered 'internal' family members (宗亲), whereas cousins from the mother's side or the father's sisters are considered 'external' (表).

在中国的传统观念中，堂兄弟之间的关系往往比表兄弟更近，因为他们属于同一个家族。 (In traditional Chinese concepts, the relationship between paternal male cousins is often closer than that of maternal cousins because they belong to the same clan.)

This term is most frequently used during family reunions, particularly during the Spring Festival (Lunar New Year) or the Qingming Festival (Tomb Sweeping Day), when extended families gather to honor their shared ancestors. In modern urban China, due to the decades-long One-Child Policy, many young people do not have biological 堂兄弟, making the term feel somewhat nostalgic or applicable to more distant relatives within a larger clan structure. However, in rural areas or among the Chinese diaspora, the term remains a vital part of social navigation.
Gender and Seniority
The suffix 兄弟 (xiōng dì) combines 'older brother' (兄) and 'younger brother' (弟). Thus, 堂兄弟 refers to the group of paternal male cousins regardless of age. If you are referring to a specific individual, you would use 堂哥 (táng gē) for one older than you or 堂弟 (táng dì) for one younger than you.
Historically, 堂兄弟 were expected to support each other in legal disputes, financial hardships, and village politics, acting as a cohesive unit of brothers. Even today, calling someone your 堂兄弟 implies a level of duty and shared identity that the English word 'cousin' often lacks.

我有三个堂兄弟，我们小时候经常一起在爷爷家长大。 (I have three paternal male cousins; we often grew up together at our grandfather's house when we were kids.)

Understanding this word is essential for navigating Chinese social circles, as it reveals the speaker's family structure and their perceived level of intimacy with their relatives. It is a word rooted in the Confucian 'Five Relationships' (五伦), specifically the relationship between brothers, extended to the paternal clan level.
Using 堂兄弟 correctly requires an understanding of Chinese noun pluralization and measure words. In Chinese, nouns generally don't change form for plurality, so 堂兄弟 can mean one paternal male cousin or several. To specify quantity, you must use the measure word 个 (gè) or the more formal/polite 位 (wèi).
Basic Identification
The most common way to use the word is in a possessive structure: [Subject] + 的 + 堂兄弟. For example, '我的堂兄弟' (My paternal male cousin/s). In a sentence: '他是我的堂兄弟' (He is my paternal male cousin).

我和我的堂兄弟长得很像，因为我们有同一个爷爷。 (My paternal male cousin and I look very much alike because we share the same grandfather.)

When discussing a group, you often see it paired with '们' (men) to emphasize plurality, as in 堂兄弟们 (táng xiōng dì men), meaning 'the paternal male cousins.' This is common when addressing them as a group or describing a collective action.
Comparison and Contrast
Sentences often contrast 堂兄弟 with 表兄弟 to clarify family ties. For example: '虽然他姓王，但他不是我的堂兄弟，他是我的表兄弟。' (Although his surname is Wang, he isn't my paternal cousin; he is my maternal cousin.) Note: This sentence implies the mother's side might also have the surname Wang by coincidence, or the speaker is correcting a common assumption.
In formal writing or genealogy, you might see the term used to describe inheritance or ancestral rights. '堂兄弟具有同等的祭祀权利' (Paternal male cousins have equal rights to perform ancestral sacrifices). In casual conversation, however, it is mostly used to explain who someone is to a third party. If you are introducing your cousin to a friend, you might say: '介绍一下，这是我的堂兄弟，小明。' (Let me introduce you, this is my paternal male cousin, Xiao Ming.)

他们家有很多堂兄弟，过年的时候非常热闹。 (Their family has many paternal male cousins; it's very lively during the New Year.)

Another common pattern involves the verb '当' (dāng - to act as/to be). '我们不只是堂兄弟，我们还把对方当成最好的朋友。' (We are not just paternal cousins; we also treat each other as best friends.) This highlights the emotional layer often attached to the term.
Negative Constructions
To say someone is NOT your paternal cousin, use '不是'. '他不是我的堂兄弟，他是我叔叔的邻居。' (He is not my paternal cousin; he is my uncle's neighbor.) This is a useful structure for clearing up confusion in large social gatherings.
You will encounter 堂兄弟 in several distinct contexts, ranging from traditional family settings to modern legal documents.
1. Family Gatherings and Festivals
The most common place to hear this word is at a 'Jia Yan' (family banquet). During the Lunar New Year, elders will often point out various relatives to the younger generation. You might hear an aunt say, '快过来跟你的堂兄弟们打个招呼！' (Come over and say hello to your paternal cousins!) Here, the word acts as a social marker, reinforcing the boundaries of the 'inner' family.

在每年的家族聚会上，我都会见到我的所有堂兄弟。 (At the annual family reunion, I see all of my paternal male cousins.)

2. TV Dramas and Period Pieces
Chinese 'period dramas' (古装剧 - gǔ zhuāng jù) are rife with the term. Plots often revolve around inheritance, palace intrigue, or family honor, where the distinction between a 堂兄弟 and a 表兄弟 can determine who has a claim to a throne or a family fortune. In these contexts, the word carries a weight of formal obligation and legal standing.
3. Legal and Genealogical Records
In China's 'Zupu' (族谱 - clan genealogies), 堂兄弟 are recorded under the same branch. When people trace their ancestry, they look for their 堂 relatives. In modern law, while the term 'cousin' is used, legal disputes regarding inherited property from a paternal grandfather often explicitly mention 堂兄弟 in the court's explanation of kinship ties.

这份家谱详细记录了曾祖父所有的堂兄弟。 (This genealogy record details all of the great-grandfather's paternal male cousins.)

4. Rural Social Structures
In many Chinese villages, people with the same surname live in close proximity. Here, 堂兄弟 isn't just a biological term but a social one. You might hear it used to describe the 'village brothers' who are technically distant cousins but functionally act as a support network. If someone says, '那是我的堂兄弟，有事找他就行' (That's my paternal cousin, just go to him if you need anything), it signals a high level of trust and shared responsibility.
For English speakers, the most frequent mistake is the 'Cousin Collapse'—treating all cousins as the same category. In English, your mother's sister's son and your father's brother's son are both 'cousins.' In Chinese, they are fundamentally different categories.
Mistake 1: Confusing 'Tang' (堂) and 'Biao' (表)
This is the #1 error. Remember: 堂 (Táng) = Father's Brother's kids (Same surname). 表 (Biǎo) = Everyone else (Mother's side or Father's Sister's side). If you call your mother's nephew a '堂兄弟,' a Chinese listener will be very confused and might assume you share a paternal lineage with your mother's family, which is traditionally impossible in the surname system.

错误：我妈妈的侄子是我的堂兄弟。 (Wrong: My mother's nephew is my paternal cousin.)
正确：我妈妈的侄子是我的表兄弟。 (Correct: My mother's nephew is my maternal cousin.)

Mistake 2: Ignoring Seniority
While 堂兄弟 is a good collective noun, using it to address a single person can sound a bit clinical or distant. If the cousin is older than you, you should use 堂哥. If you use 堂兄弟 to describe a single person in a casual setting without specifying age, it sounds like you are reading from a legal document. Always try to be specific: '这是我堂哥' (This is my older paternal cousin) sounds much more natural.
Mistake 3: Misunderstanding the 'Hall' (堂)
Some learners assume 堂 refers to the house. While related, it specifically refers to the paternal line. If you live in the same house as your maternal cousins, they are still 表兄弟, not 堂兄弟. The term is based on bloodline and surname, not physical location.

不要因为住在一起就叫他们堂兄弟，要看他们是不是你爸爸兄弟的孩子。 (Don't call them paternal cousins just because you live together; check if they are the children of your father's brothers.)

Mistake 4: Gender Neutrality
English 'cousin' is gender-neutral. 堂兄弟 is strictly male. If you have a female paternal cousin, she is a 堂姐妹 (táng jiě mèi). Using 堂兄弟 to refer to a group of female cousins is incorrect. If the group is mixed, you might say 堂兄弟姐妹 (táng xiōng dì jiě mèi).
In the complex web of Chinese kinship, several words are closely related to 堂兄弟. Understanding the nuances between them is key to linguistic fluency.
堂兄弟 vs. 表兄弟 (Biǎo xiōng dì)
The most important distinction. 堂兄弟 share the same paternal grandfather. 表兄弟 are 'outside' cousins—children of your mother's siblings or your father's sisters. In traditional culture, 堂 is 'inner' and 表 is 'outer.' Even though both are equally related biologically (12.5% shared DNA), the social weight of 堂 was historically much higher.

区分堂兄弟和表兄弟的关键在于：他们是否跟你姓同一个姓（通常情况下）。 (The key to distinguishing paternal and maternal cousins is: do they share the same surname as you? (Usually).)

堂兄弟 vs. 亲兄弟 (Qīn xiōng dì)
亲兄弟 refers to biological brothers (same parents). While 堂兄弟 are often treated with similar affection, the '亲' (qīn) denotes the closest possible blood bond. In some families, 堂兄弟 are called '亲堂兄弟' to distinguish them from '远房堂兄弟' (distant paternal cousins).
堂兄弟 vs. 堂哥/堂弟 (Táng gē / Táng dì)
堂兄弟 is the general, collective term. 堂哥 is specifically an older paternal male cousin, and 堂弟 is a younger one. In daily speech, you will use the specific terms 90% of the time. You only use 堂兄弟 when talking about the category or the group.
远房亲戚 (Yuǎn fáng qīn qi)
If the paternal cousin is very distant (e.g., your grandfather's brother's grandson), they are still technically 堂兄弟, but you might just refer to them as 远房亲戚 (distant relatives) if the connection is not close.

虽然他是我的堂兄弟，但他是远房的，我们并不熟。 (Although he is my paternal cousin, he is a distant one, and we aren't close.)

族兄弟 (Zú xiōng dì)
This is a very formal or literary term for paternal cousins within the same clan. You will mostly find this in historical novels or genealogical records rather than modern speech.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

In ancient China, 堂兄弟 were legally required to live together in large estates until the head of the family passed away, often leading to households with dozens of 'brothers' in one 'hall.'

Aussprachehilfe

UK /tɑːŋ ʃjʊŋ diː/
US /tɑŋ ʃjʊŋ di/
The stress is relatively even, but the falling tone on 'dì' makes it sound more emphatic at the end.
Reimt sich auf
房 (fáng) 长 (zhǎng) 忙 (máng) 场 (chǎng) 光 (guāng) 方 (fāng) 王 (wáng) 乡 (xiāng)
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing 'táng' with a flat tone (making it sound like 'soup').
  • Pronouncing 'xiōng' as 'ksiong' (don't pronounce the 'x' as 'ks').
  • Failing to drop the pitch on 'dì'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

The characters are common, but 堂 can be confused with other similar-looking characters like 常.

Schreiben 3/5

Writing 堂 and 弟 requires correct stroke order for the top components.

Sprechen 2/5

Tones are distinct, but 'xiōng' requires some practice for English speakers.

Hören 2/5

Easy to recognize in context of family discussions.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

哥哥 弟弟 爸爸 兄弟 个

Als Nächstes lernen

表兄弟 堂姐妹 叔叔 伯伯 家族

Fortgeschritten

宗法 嫡出 庶出 五服 族谱

Wichtige Grammatik

Measure Words for People

三个堂兄弟 (Three paternal cousins).

Possessive 'de'

我爸爸的堂兄弟 (My father's paternal cousin).

Adverb 'dou' (all)

堂兄弟们都很忙 (The paternal cousins are all busy).

Reflexive 'ziji'

我的堂兄弟和我自己 (My paternal cousin and myself).

Comparison with 'bi'

我的堂兄弟比我高 (My paternal cousin is taller than me).

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Beispiele nach Niveau

1

我有两个堂兄弟。

I have two paternal male cousins.

Use '有' (have) to indicate family members.

2

他是我的堂兄弟。

He is my paternal male cousin.

Basic 'A is B' structure with '是'.

3

堂兄弟很高。

The paternal male cousin is tall.

Simple subject-adjective sentence.

4

我的堂兄弟六岁。

My paternal male cousin is six years old.

Stating age directly after the subject.

5

他是我爸爸兄弟的孩子。

He is the child of my father's brother.

Explaining the relationship using '的'.

6

堂兄弟喜欢玩球。

The paternal male cousin likes to play ball.

Subject + Verb + Object.

7

我爱我的堂兄弟。

I love my paternal male cousin.

Expressing emotion.

8

堂兄弟不在家。

The paternal male cousin is not at home.

Negative '不在' (not at).

1

过年时，我会见到堂兄弟。

During the New Year, I will see my paternal male cousins.

Time phrase + Subject + Verb.

2

我的堂兄弟住在他爷爷家。

My paternal male cousin lives at his grandfather's house.

Using '住' (live) + '在' (at).

3

我有三个堂兄弟，他们都很友好。

I have three paternal male cousins; they are all very friendly.

Using '都' (all) to describe a group.

4

这是我最大的堂兄弟。

This is my oldest paternal male cousin.

Using '最' (most) for superlatives.

5

堂兄弟和我一起去上学。

My paternal male cousin and I go to school together.

Subject A + 和 + Subject B + 一起 + Verb.

6

你的堂兄弟叫什么名字？

What is your paternal male cousin's name?

Standard 'What is the name' question.

7

我的堂兄弟在上海学习。

My paternal male cousin is studying in Shanghai.

Location '在' + Verb.

8

我们是堂兄弟，所以我们姓王。

We are paternal male cousins, so we are surnamed Wang.

Using '所以' (so/therefore).

1

虽然他是我的堂兄弟，但我们不常说话。

Although he is my paternal cousin, we don't talk often.

'虽然...但是...' (Although... but...)

2

在中国，堂兄弟的关系通常很近。

In China, the relationship between paternal cousins is usually very close.

'通常' (usually) as an adverb.

3

我打算暑假去拜访我的堂兄弟。

I plan to visit my paternal male cousin during the summer vacation.

'打算' (plan to) + Verb.

4

堂兄弟之间应该互相帮助。

Paternal male cousins should help each other.

'应该' (should) + '互相' (each other).

5

他比他的堂兄弟聪明得多。

He is much smarter than his paternal cousin.

'A + 比 + B + Adjective + 得多'.

6

我爸爸有四个兄弟，所以我有很多堂兄弟。

My father has four brothers, so I have many paternal male cousins.

Causal relationship with '所以'.

7

这些堂兄弟长得非常像他们的爷爷。

These paternal male cousins look very much like their grandfather.

'长得像' (look like).

8

堂兄弟们正在客厅里聊天。

The paternal male cousins are chatting in the living room.

'正在' (currently/in the middle of).

1

堂兄弟在传统家族中具有重要的地位。

Paternal male cousins have an important status in traditional families.

'具有...地位' (to have a status/position).

2

根据家谱，他确实是我的堂兄弟。

According to the genealogy, he is indeed my paternal male cousin.

'根据' (according to) + '确实' (indeed).

3

由于独生子女政策，现在的堂兄弟越来越少了。

Due to the One-Child Policy, there are fewer and fewer paternal cousins now.

'由于' (due to) + '越来越' (more and more).

4

堂兄弟之间的竞争有时会非常激烈。

Competition between paternal cousins can sometimes be very intense.

'之间' (between) + '激烈' (intense).

5

他被公认为是家族里最有出息的堂兄弟。

He is widely recognized as the most successful paternal cousin in the family.

'被公认为' (to be publicly recognized as).

6

无论发生什么，堂兄弟都会支持你。

No matter what happens, your paternal cousins will support you.

'无论...都...' (No matter... always...)

7

这份遗产将由几位堂兄弟共同继承。

This inheritance will be jointly inherited by several paternal male cousins.

'由...共同继承' (jointly inherited by).

8

堂兄弟在法律上被视为近亲。

Paternal male cousins are legally regarded as close relatives.

'被视为' (to be regarded as).

1

堂兄弟一词，折射出中国古代的宗法制度。

The term 'paternal male cousin' reflects the patriarchal system of ancient China.

'折射出' (reflects/reveals).

2

他与堂兄弟之间的隔阂源于多年前的一场误会。

The estrangement between him and his paternal cousin stems from a misunderstanding years ago.

'源于' (stems from/originates in).

3

在宗族祭祀中，堂兄弟扮演着不可或缺的角色。

In clan sacrifices, paternal male cousins play an indispensable role.

'扮演...角色' (to play a role).

4

尽管他们是堂兄弟，但性格却南辕北辙。

Even though they are paternal cousins, their personalities are poles apart.

Using the idiom '南辕北辙' (diametrically opposed).

5

这篇小说细腻地刻画了堂兄弟之间的权力斗争。

This novel delicately portrays the power struggle between paternal male cousins.

'细腻地刻画' (delicately portray).

6

堂兄弟的这种亲缘关系，在现代都市中逐渐淡化。

This kind of paternal kinship is gradually fading in modern cities.

'逐渐淡化' (gradually fade/weaken).

7

他试图通过寻找堂兄弟来重建家族的联系。

He tried to rebuild family ties by searching for his paternal male cousins.

'通过...来...' (by means of... in order to...)

8

在某些文学作品中，堂兄弟常被塑造为命运的对照。

In certain literary works, paternal cousins are often shaped as contrasts of fate.

'被塑造为' (to be shaped/portrayed as).

1

堂兄弟范畴的界定，在不同历史时期的律令中略有出入。

The definition of the paternal male cousin category varied slightly in the laws of different historical periods.

'界定' (definition/delimitation) + '略有出入' (slightly different).

2

这种基于堂兄弟关系的社会网络，曾是商业贸易的基石。

This social network based on paternal cousin relationships was once the cornerstone of commercial trade.

'基于...的' (based on) + '基石' (cornerstone).

3

从堂兄弟的称谓演变，可以窥见汉字文化的深层逻辑。

From the evolution of the term for paternal cousins, one can catch a glimpse of the deep logic of Chinese character culture.

'从...可以窥见' (from... one can glimpse).

4

他对于堂兄弟的提拔，引发了关于家族政治的激烈讨论。

His promotion of his paternal cousins sparked intense discussion about family politics.

'引发' (trigger/spark).

5

堂兄弟之间的这种‘拟制血亲’在某些文化语境下同样存在。

This kind of 'fictive kinship' among paternal cousins also exists in certain cultural contexts.

'拟制血亲' (fictive kinship).

6

对于堂兄弟关系的过分强调，有时会阻碍现代企业制度的建立。

Over-emphasis on paternal cousin relationships can sometimes hinder the establishment of a modern corporate system.

'阻碍' (hinder/block).

7

他在遗嘱中对堂兄弟的安置，体现了其深厚的家族情怀。

His arrangements for his paternal cousins in his will reflect his deep family sentiment.

'体现了' (embodies/reflects).

8

堂兄弟的情谊在岁月的洗礼下，愈发显得弥足珍贵。

The friendship between paternal cousins becomes increasingly precious under the baptism of time.

'愈发显得' (becomes increasingly/appears more).

Häufige Kollokationen

堂兄弟俩
远房堂兄弟
亲堂兄弟
堂兄弟关系
堂兄弟姐妹
众堂兄弟
堂兄弟情谊
结为堂兄弟
堂兄弟之争
寻找堂兄弟

Häufige Phrasen

五服内的堂兄弟

— Paternal cousins within five generations, considered close relatives.

他是他在五服内的堂兄弟。

同堂兄弟

— An older term for paternal cousins living in the same household.

古时，同堂兄弟常共居一处。

堂兄弟不分家

— A phrase implying that paternal cousins should stay united and not split the family wealth.

老人常说堂兄弟不分家。

嫡亲堂兄弟

— Direct paternal cousins (sharing the same grandfather).

他们是嫡亲堂兄弟。

叔伯兄弟

— Another common way to say paternal male cousins (literally: uncles' brothers).

在北方，很多人叫堂兄弟为叔伯兄弟。

堂兄弟如手足

— Paternal cousins are like hands and feet (very close).

他们堂兄弟如手足。

远亲不如近堂

— A variation of a proverb, suggesting a close paternal cousin is better than a distant relative.

虽然远，但远亲不如近堂。

同姓堂兄弟

— Emphasizing that they share the same surname.

我们是同姓堂兄弟。

堂兄弟聚会

— A gathering of paternal male cousins.

今晚有个堂兄弟聚会。

长房堂兄弟

— Paternal cousins from the eldest uncle's line.

他是长房堂兄弟。

Wird oft verwechselt mit

堂兄弟 vs 表兄弟

Maternal cousins (different surname).

堂兄弟 vs 堂姐妹

Paternal female cousins.

堂兄弟 vs 亲兄弟

Biological brothers.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"同堂兄弟"

— Literally 'brothers in the same hall'; used to describe the closest level of paternal cousins.

我们是同堂兄弟，理应互相照应。

Neutral
"骨肉至亲"

— Refers to extremely close relatives, often including 堂兄弟.

堂兄弟也是骨肉至亲。

Formal
"手足之情"

— Brotherly love, frequently applied to the bond between 堂兄弟.

他们之间有着深厚的手足之情。

Literary
"一脉相承"

— Coming from the same lineage; used to describe the connection of 堂兄弟.

堂兄弟之间一脉相承，血浓于水。

Formal
"同宗同源"

— Of the same clan and origin.

我们是同宗同源的堂兄弟。

Academic
"分家不分心"

— Dividing the household but not the heart; often said to 堂兄弟.

堂兄弟们分家不分心。

Common
"本家兄弟"

— Brothers of the same clan.

他是我本家兄弟。

Informal
"连枝同气"

— Like branches of the same tree; describing the unity of 堂兄弟.

堂兄弟应当连枝同气。

Literary
"煮豆燃萁"

— Refers to siblings (or cousins) fighting; a warning for 堂兄弟.

堂兄弟之间不可煮豆燃萁。

Literary
"金石之交"

— A friendship as strong as metal and stone, often used for very close cousins.

他们虽是堂兄弟，亦有金石之交。

Literary

Leicht verwechselbar

堂兄弟 vs 堂哥

Both refer to paternal cousins.

堂哥 is specifically older; 堂兄弟 is general or plural.

他是我堂哥。

堂兄弟 vs 表弟

Both are cousins.

表弟 is maternal/aunt's son and younger; 堂兄弟 is paternal.

他是我表弟。

堂兄弟 vs 兄弟

Both contain 'brothers'.

兄弟 can mean biological brothers or friends; 堂兄弟 is specifically paternal cousins.

我们是好兄弟。

堂兄弟 vs 堂亲

Both relate to 'Tang'.

堂亲 is a broader term for any paternal relative; 堂兄弟 is specifically male cousins.

他是我的堂亲。

堂兄弟 vs 本家

Both relate to the same clan.

本家 refers to anyone with the same surname in the clan; 堂兄弟 is a specific generation.

我们是本家。

Satzmuster

A1

我有[Number]个堂兄弟。

我有两个堂兄弟。

A2

[Name]是我的堂兄弟。

小明是我的堂兄弟。

B1

虽然...但是...堂兄弟...

虽然他是我的堂兄弟，但是我们不住在一起。

B1

堂兄弟之间...

堂兄弟之间应该互相照顾。

B2

由于...堂兄弟...

由于家离得远，我和堂兄弟很少见面。

B2

被视为...堂兄弟...

他在家族中被视为最可靠的堂兄弟。

C1

...折射出...堂兄弟...

这种关系折射出堂兄弟在家族中的地位。

C2

...基于...堂兄弟...

这种基于堂兄弟关系的信任是难能可贵的。

Wortfamilie

Substantive

堂哥 (Older paternal male cousin)
堂弟 (Younger paternal male cousin)
堂姐妹 (Paternal female cousins)
堂亲 (Paternal relatives)

Verwandt

表兄弟 (Maternal male cousins)
叔叔 (Father's younger brother)
伯伯 (Father's older brother)
祖父 (Paternal grandfather)
家族 (Family/Clan)
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frequency

Common in family-oriented discussions, rare in daily professional life.

Häufige Fehler
  • Calling a maternal cousin '堂兄弟'. → 表兄弟

    堂 is only for the paternal brothers' line. Maternal cousins are always 表.

  • Using '堂兄弟' for a female cousin. → 堂姐妹

    兄弟 is specifically male. Use 姐妹 for females.

  • Saying '我的堂兄弟是三个'. → 我有三个堂兄弟。

    In Chinese, you 'have' (有) family members, you aren't 'are' (是) a number of them.

  • Writing '汤兄弟' (Soup brothers). → 堂兄弟

    The characters sound similar but have completely different meanings.

  • Using '堂兄弟' to address an older cousin directly. → 堂哥

    Using the collective term to address an individual sounds distant and overly formal.

Tipps

The Surname Rule

If the cousin has the same last name as your father and is the son of your father's brother, use 堂. If not, use 表.

Be Specific

In speech, try to use 堂哥 or 堂弟 instead of the general 堂兄弟 to sound more natural.

The Hall Concept

Remember 堂 means 'Hall.' Imagine your cousins standing in your father's ancestral hall.

Measure Words

Always use '个' or '位' when counting them. Never say '三个堂兄弟们'.

Stroke Order

Pay attention to the top of 堂; it's not the same as the top of 学.

Closeness

Calling someone your 堂兄弟 in China implies a strong bond. Don't use it lightly for strangers.

Tone Check

Second tone for 堂. If it sounds flat, it's 'soup' (汤). If it's falling, it's 'sugar' (糖 - wait, sugar is also second tone, never mind! Focus on context).

Vs. English

Don't just translate 'cousin.' Stop and think: 'Which uncle's son is this?'

The Ancestral Hall

Knowing that 堂 refers to the family hall helps you remember it's the 'inner' family side.

Practice with Real People

Think of your own cousins and categorize them as 堂 or 表 in your head.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of a 'Hall' (堂 - Tang). Who is in your father's hall? His brothers' sons. They are your 'Hall Brothers' (堂兄弟).

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a large Chinese hall with a family name plaque. Inside are several boys playing—they all share that name and that hall.

Word Web

堂 - Hall 兄 - Older Brother 弟 - Younger Brother 父 - Father 叔 - Uncle 伯 - Uncle

Herausforderung

Try to draw your family tree and label who is a 堂兄弟 and who is a 表兄弟. Explain the difference to a friend in Chinese.

Wortherkunft

The character 堂 (táng) consists of 土 (earth/soil) at the bottom and a phonetic/semantic top representing a roof. It originally meant the main hall of a house. In kinship, it indicates cousins who gather in the same 'hall' (the ancestral hall of the father's side). 兄弟 (xiōng dì) is the standard term for brothers.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Brothers belonging to the same ancestral hall.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese)

Kultureller Kontext

In modern China, be sensitive to the fact that many people are only children and may not have biological 堂兄弟, but might use the term for very distant relatives to feel a sense of belonging.

English speakers often find the Tang/Biao distinction difficult because 'cousin' covers everyone. In English, the father's side and mother's side are treated symmetrically.

The novel 'Dream of the Red Chamber' (红楼梦) features complex relationships between 堂兄弟 in the Jia family. Historical stories of the 'Three Kingdoms' often focus on the loyalty of 堂 cousins.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Family Reunion

  • 好久不见
  • 全家福
  • 祭祖
  • 聚餐

Introducing Someone

  • 这是我的...
  • 介绍一下
  • 他姓...
  • 他是我叔叔的孩子

Genealogy Research

  • 查家谱
  • 祖籍
  • 辈分
  • 同宗

Legal/Inheritance

  • 继承权
  • 遗嘱
  • 近亲
  • 财产

Childhood Memories

  • 小时候
  • 一起长大
  • 爷爷家
  • 玩耍

Gesprächseinstiege

"你有堂兄弟吗？"

"你的堂兄弟住在哪个城市？"

"你和你的堂兄弟关系怎么样？"

"过年的时候你会见到堂兄弟吗？"

"你觉得堂兄弟和表兄弟有什么不同？"

Tagebuch-Impulse

写一段关于你和堂兄弟童年趣事的回忆。

描述一下你的一个堂兄弟。

讨论一下独生子女政策对堂兄弟关系的影响。

如果你没有堂兄弟，你希望有一个吗？为什么？

比较一下你文化中的‘cousin’和中文里的‘堂兄弟’。

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

The difference lies in which side of the family they come from. 堂 (Táng) cousins are your father's brother's sons and usually share your surname. 表 (Biǎo) cousins are everyone else: your mother's siblings' children or your father's sisters' children. Think of 堂 as 'internal' and 表 as 'external.'

No, 堂兄弟 refers only to male cousins. For a female paternal cousin, you must use 堂姐妹 (táng jiě mèi). If you are talking about a group of mixed-gender paternal cousins, you use 堂兄弟姐妹 (táng xiōng dì jiě mèi).

The word 堂 (táng) means 'hall.' It refers to the ancestral hall where the paternal side of the family would gather. Using 堂 indicates that these cousins belong to the same 'hall' or paternal lineage as you.

Yes, traditionally they are considered very close, almost like biological brothers, because they share the same paternal grandfather and family name. In ancient times, they often lived in the same household.

You usually don't call them '堂兄弟' to their face. You call them 堂哥 (if they are older) or 堂弟 (if they are younger). In very close families, you might even drop the '堂' and just call them 哥 or 弟.

No. Even though he is on your father's side, because he is the son of a female relative (your aunt), he will likely have a different surname. Therefore, he is a 表兄弟 (biǎo xiōng dì), not a 堂兄弟.

In 99% of traditional cases, yes, because they are the children of brothers who share a surname. The only exception would be unusual naming conventions (like a child taking the mother's surname).

It is still the standard term, but because of the One-Child Policy, many people in the younger generations do not have biological 堂兄弟. They might use the term for more distant cousins in the clan.

Generally no. For a close friend, you would use 哥们 (gē men) or 兄弟 (xiōng dì). 堂兄弟 is strictly a kinship term.

You say '我有很多堂兄弟' (Wǒ yǒu hěn duō táng xiōng dì).

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writing

Translate: 'I have three paternal male cousins.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'He is my older paternal cousin, his name is Xiao Wang.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Although they are paternal cousins, they don't look alike.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'During the Spring Festival, all the paternal cousins gathered together.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a short sentence explaining the difference between 堂 and 表 cousins.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'My paternal cousin lives in Shanghai.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'This is my uncle's son, my paternal cousin.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Paternal cousins should help each other.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'He is my favorite paternal cousin.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'They are not just paternal cousins, they are best friends.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'My paternal male cousin is very tall' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Introduce your paternal male cousin Xiao Ming to a friend.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Explain in Chinese that your father's brother's son is your 堂兄弟.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Ask someone how many paternal male cousins they have.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I am going to visit my paternal cousin tomorrow.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'We are paternal cousins, we share the same surname.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'My older paternal cousin is a doctor.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I have no paternal male cousins.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'The paternal cousins are playing in the garden.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Explain that 堂 cousins are on the father's side.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write the characters: [táng xiōng dì]

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Which relative is mentioned? (Audio: 他是我叔叔的儿子)

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

True or False: The speaker has four paternal cousins. (Audio: 我有四个堂兄弟)

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Where is the cousin? (Audio: 我的堂哥在办公室)

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Does the speaker like his cousin? (Audio: 我很喜欢我的堂弟)

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Who is older? (Audio: 堂哥比我大，堂弟比我小)

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

What are they doing? (Audio: 堂兄弟们在吃饭)

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Is it a male or female relative? (Audio: 堂兄弟)

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Is it the mother's or father's side? (Audio: 堂)

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

How many people are there? (Audio: 堂兄弟俩)

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence: 'My paternal cousin is a teacher.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence: 'All my paternal cousins live in Beijing.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Who is your paternal male cousin?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'They are paternal cousins, not biological brothers.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Describe the relationship of 堂兄弟 in one sentence.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I have many paternal cousins' in a formal way.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'My paternal cousin is younger than me.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'We are cousins on my father's side.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Do you have any paternal male cousins?'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'My paternal cousin is coming to see me.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Audio: [wǒ de táng xiōng dì zài kàn shū] - What is he doing?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Audio: [tā bù shì wǒ de táng xiōng dì] - Is he his cousin?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Audio: [táng xiōng dì men dōu hěn máng] - Are they busy?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Audio: [táng gē hé táng dì] - Who is mentioned?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Audio: [zhè shì wǒ de táng qīn] - Is it a close or general relative?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'My paternal cousin is in the library.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'This is a photo of my paternal cousins.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'He looks like his paternal cousin.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'I have many paternal cousins on my father's side.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The relationship between paternal cousins is very close.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'He is not my brother, he is my paternal cousin.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I am the youngest among my paternal cousins.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'My paternal cousin's name is Li Hua.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Paternal cousins are also family.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I haven't seen my paternal cousin for a long time.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Audio: [wǒ yǒu sān gè táng xiōng dì] - How many cousins?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Audio: [táng xiōng dì men dōu lái le] - Did they arrive?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Audio: [zhè shì táng gē] - Is he older or younger?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Audio: [táng xiōng dì jiān de máo dùn] - What is between them?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Audio: [wǒ de táng dì hěn kě ài] - Is the cousin cute?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

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