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表兄弟姐妹

A2 noun #9,000 más común 10 min de lectura

表兄弟姐妹

biǎoxiōngdì jiěmèi Top 9,000

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos 表兄弟姐妹 en 30 segundos

Explicación 表兄弟姐妹 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn about family members like 'father' (爸爸) and 'mother' (妈妈). The word '表兄弟姐妹' might seem long, but you can think of it as the word for 'cousins.' In English, we use one word for all cousins, but in Chinese, we split them. 'Biao' cousins are the ones from your mother's side or your father's sisters. Even if you can't remember the whole long word '表兄弟姐妹,' try to remember that '表' (biǎo) is the key character. If you see your mother's brother's son, he is your '表哥' (older male cousin). At this level, don't worry too much about the complicated family tree; just know that this word means 'cousins' and is used when you talk about your extended family. You might say '我有两个表姐' (I have two older female cousins). It's a fun word because it combines the words for brother and sister all into one big group. Just remember: it's a plural word for a group of cousins!

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At the A2 level, you should begin to understand the logic behind the word '表兄弟姐妹.' It is a compound word: 表 (outside) + 兄 (older brother) + 弟 (younger brother) + 姐 (older sister) + 妹 (younger sister). This word is used to describe cousins who do not share your father's surname. This includes your mother's siblings' children and your father's sisters' children. In A2, you should be able to use this word in simple sentences with measure words, like '我有三个表兄弟姐妹' (I have three cousins). You should also know how to ask others about their cousins: '你有表兄弟姐妹吗？' (Do you have any cousins?). This level is about basic communication, so being able to identify these relatives during a family introduction is a key skill. You will also learn that because of the One-Child Policy in China, many people your age might not have any '表兄弟姐妹,' making the ones they do have very special, often like real brothers and sisters.

By the B1 level, you should be comfortable with the distinction between '表' (biǎo) and '堂' (táng) cousins. 'Tang' cousins are the children of your father's brothers, while 'Biao' cousins are everyone else. At this stage, you can use '表兄弟姐妹' to discuss more complex family dynamics. For example, you might describe a family reunion: '在春节的时候，我和我的表兄弟姐妹聚在一起玩游戏' (During the Spring Festival, my cousins and I gather to play games). You should also start to notice the cultural importance of these relationships. In China, 'Biao' cousins are often very close, and the term '表兄弟姐妹' carries a sense of shared childhood and extended family support. You might also use the term to compare family sizes or discuss how families have changed over generations. Your grammar should include the use of '和...一起' (together with) and '虽然...但是' (although... but) when talking about your cousins. For instance, '虽然我们是表兄弟姐妹，但我们像亲兄妹一样' (Although we are cousins, we are like biological siblings).

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At the B2 level, you can explore the sociological and historical nuances of the term '表兄弟姐妹.' You should understand that the '表' (outside) prefix is a relic of ancient patriarchal structures where lineage was traced through the male line. You can discuss the legal aspects, such as how 'Biao' cousins were historically allowed to marry in some dynasties because they had different surnames, a topic often explored in classic literature like 'Dream of the Red Chamber.' You should be able to use the term in more formal contexts, such as writing an essay about family structures in modern China. You might discuss the '4-2-1' family structure (four grandparents, two parents, one child) and how it has led to a decrease in the number of '表兄弟姐妹' for the younger generation. Your vocabulary should expand to include related terms like '表亲' (biǎo qīn - cousins/relatives) and '远房表亲' (yuǎn fáng biǎo qīn - distant cousins). You should also be able to handle complex sentences using '由于' (due to) or '甚至' (even), such as '由于现在的家庭越来越小，很多人甚至没有一个表兄弟姐妹' (Due to families getting smaller, many people don't even have a single cousin).

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At the C1 level, you are expected to use '表兄弟姐妹' and its related terms with the precision of a native speaker. You should understand the subtle emotional and social connotations of the word. For example, you can analyze the role of 'Biao' cousins in social networking and 'Guanxi' (connections) in Chinese business and social life. You should be familiar with the ultra-specific terms for each type of 'Biao' cousin, such as '舅表' (jiù biǎo - children of mother's brothers) versus '姨表' (yí biǎo - children of mother's sisters). You can engage in deep discussions about how the concept of 'family' is evolving in urban China and whether the 'Biao' vs. 'Tang' distinction still holds the same weight for Gen Z as it did for their grandparents. Your reading material might include academic articles on kinship or modern novels where the intricate web of '表兄弟姐妹' relationships drives the plot. You should be able to use formal, four-character idioms (Chengyu) in conjunction with these terms to describe family harmony or conflict, such as '和睦相处' (living in harmony) or '手足情深' (deep sibling-like affection).

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At the C2 level, you have a masterly grasp of the term '表兄弟姐妹' within the vast context of Chinese history, law, and literature. You can discuss the evolution of the 'Zunbei' (hierarchy of seniority) system and how it dictated the specific naming conventions for 'Biao' relatives across different dynasties. You might analyze the 'Nine Grades of Kinship' in ancient Chinese law and how 'Biao' cousins were categorized for the purposes of mourning periods and legal inheritance. You can read and interpret classical texts (Wenyanwen) that use archaic versions of these kinship terms. Furthermore, you can critically examine the impact of globalization on Chinese family terminology, such as the increasing use of the English-influenced 'cousin' in casual urban speech, and what this says about the shifting values of Chinese society. You are capable of giving a presentation on the sociological implications of kinship terms or participating in high-level debates about family law, using '表兄弟姐妹' not just as a vocabulary word, but as a key to unlocking the deep structures of Chinese civilization.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

表兄弟姐妹 en 30 segundos

Refers to all cousins except those from your father's brothers.
Categorized as 'outside' (表) relatives in traditional Chinese lineage.
A plural term covering both male and female cousins of all ages.
Essential for understanding the Chinese 'Biao' vs 'Tang' kinship distinction.

The term 表兄弟姐妹 (biǎo xiōng dì jiě mèi) is a comprehensive collective noun in Chinese that refers to a specific group of cousins. Unlike the English word 'cousin,' which is a broad label for any child of any aunt or uncle, Chinese kinship terms are highly specific, reflecting a culture that has historically prioritized lineage, hierarchy, and family structure. To understand this word, one must first grasp the concept of the 'inner' and 'outer' family. In traditional Chinese society, the paternal line—those sharing the father's surname—was considered the 'inner' family (堂, táng). Everyone else, including relatives from the mother's side or the father's sisters' side, was considered the 'outer' family (表, biǎo). Therefore, 表兄弟姐妹 specifically encompasses: 1) children of your mother's brothers (舅舅的子女), 2) children of your mother's sisters (姨妈的子女), and 3) children of your father's sisters (姑妈的子女). The only cousins excluded from this group are the children of your father's brothers, who are your 'Tang' (堂) cousins.

Cultural Distinction: The prefix '表' (biǎo) literally means 'outside' or 'external.' This reflects the ancient patriarchal view where daughters married 'out' into other families, and thus their children were 'outside' relatives.
Modern Usage: In the modern era, especially after the One-Child Policy, these distinctions are sometimes blurred in casual conversation, where cousins might simply call each other 'brother' or 'sister,' but the formal term remains essential for clarity.

春节期间，我所有的表兄弟姐妹都会聚在一起吃年夜饭。(During the Spring Festival, all my cousins from my mother's side and my father's sisters' side gather together for the New Year's Eve dinner.)

The word is actually a compound of four distinct titles: 表兄 (older male cousin), 表弟 (younger male cousin), 表姐 (older female cousin), and 表妹 (younger female cousin). By stringing them together, the speaker creates an all-inclusive plural. This is a common feature in Chinese linguistics—merging opposites or related categories to form a broader concept (like 父母 for parents or 东西 for things). You will hear this word most frequently in formal introductions, family reunions, or when discussing family history. It carries a sense of warmth but also maintains the respectful distance of the 'outer' lineage compared to the 'inner' paternal line.

虽然我们是表兄弟姐妹，但我们的关系比亲生兄妹还要亲。(Even though we are cousins, our relationship is closer than that of biological siblings.)

Linguistic Structure: The term is a 'quadrisyllabic' compound, which is a preferred rhythmic structure in formal Chinese, making it sound more balanced and sophisticated than just saying 'cousins'.

Historically, the 'Biao' relationship was so distinct that in ancient China, marriage between 'Biao' cousins was sometimes permitted (as they had different surnames), whereas marriage between 'Tang' cousins was strictly forbidden as incestuous. While this is no longer the case in modern law, the linguistic distinction persists as a relic of that social structure. When using this word, you are acknowledging a complex web of relationships that define a person's social identity in the Sinosphere. It isn't just a word; it's a map of your family tree.

Using 表兄弟姐妹 effectively requires an understanding of Chinese grammar regarding collective nouns and measure words. Because this is a plural-inclusive term, it is typically preceded by a number and the appropriate measure word, or by inclusive terms like '所有' (all) or '很多' (many). The most common measure word for people in this context is '个' (gè), though '位' (wèi) can be used to add a layer of formality and respect.

我有五个表兄弟姐妹，他们都住在上海。(I have five cousins, and they all live in Shanghai.)

When you want to be specific about which cousin you are talking about, you would break the collective noun down into its components: 表哥 (older male cousin), 表弟 (younger male cousin), 表姐 (older female cousin), or 表妹 (younger female cousin). However, when speaking about the group as a whole, 表兄弟姐妹 is the standard term. It is also used in possessive structures using the particle '的' (de).

Sentence Pattern 1: Quantifying: [Subject] + 有 + [Number] + 个 + 表兄弟姐妹。 (e.g., 他有三个表兄弟姐妹。)
Sentence Pattern 2: Describing Relationships: [Subject] + 和 + [Possessive] + 表兄弟姐妹 + 关系很好。 (e.g., 我和我的表兄弟姐妹关系很好。)

In more advanced contexts, you might use this term to discuss demographics or social changes. For example, discussing how the 'One-Child Policy' (独生子女政策) led to a generation with very few 'Biao' or 'Tang' relatives. In such cases, the term acts as a formal sociological category. It's also important to note that in some dialects, like Cantonese, the specific terms might vary, but in Standard Mandarin (Putonghua), 表兄弟姐妹 is universally understood.

他的表兄弟姐妹中，有三个是医生。(Among his cousins, three are doctors.)

When writing, ensure the characters are in the correct order. The sequence 兄 (older brother), 弟 (younger brother), 姐 (older sister), 妹 (younger sister) follows the traditional hierarchy of age and gender. Reversing them would sound unnatural to a native speaker. This word is a great example of how Chinese packs a lot of information—lineage, gender, and age—into a single compound. Mastering it allows you to describe your family tree with the precision that Chinese culture expects.

You are most likely to encounter the word 表兄弟姐妹 in environments where family structures are being discussed or formally introduced. The most prominent setting is the Spring Festival (春节), the Chinese New Year. During this time, the 'Chunyun' (Spring Festival travel rush) occurs, and millions of people return to their ancestral homes. In these large gatherings, you will hear elders asking about the well-being of various 表兄弟姐妹. It is a time for 'reconnecting the branches' of the family tree.

Family Reunions: At weddings or funerals, the seating arrangements and formal introductions often use these specific kinship terms to denote the closeness and lineage of the guests.
Legal and Official Documents: When filling out forms for visas, inheritance, or household registration (Hukou), the term is used to define non-immediate family members for background checks or legal claims.

在婚礼上，新郎向大家介绍了他的表兄弟姐妹。(At the wedding, the groom introduced his cousins to everyone.)

Another place you will hear this word is in modern Chinese TV dramas (often called 'C-dramas'). Family dynamics are a staple of Chinese storytelling, and many plots revolve around the rivalries, romances, or deep friendships between 表兄弟姐妹. Because 'Biao' cousins are from different family lines (different surnames), they often represent the bridge between two different households, making them perfect characters for complex social narratives. In literature, classic novels like Dream of the Red Chamber (红楼梦) are famous for their intricate descriptions of 'Biao' relationships, where the protagonist's love interests are often his 'Biao' cousins.

由于独生子女政策，很多年轻人现在已经没有表兄弟姐妹了。(Due to the One-Child Policy, many young people now have no cousins.)

Finally, you will hear this in educational settings. When Chinese children learn about their family tree, they are taught the 'Biao' vs. 'Tang' distinction very early. It is a fundamental part of cultural literacy. If you are ever in China and are invited to a family dinner, being able to correctly identify the host's 表兄弟姐妹 will earn you immense 'mianzi' (face) and show that you have truly studied the nuances of the language.

The most frequent mistake for English speakers is the over-application of the term 表兄弟姐妹. Because the English word 'cousin' covers all bases, learners often use 'Biao' for every cousin they meet. However, using 'Biao' for your father's brother's children is a significant error. Those cousins are 堂兄弟姐妹 (táng xiōng dì jiě mèi). In the traditional Chinese mindset, calling a 'Tang' cousin 'Biao' is almost like saying they aren't part of your core family line, which can be seen as a slight or simply a sign of poor upbringing.

Mistake 1: Confusing Tang and Biao: Remember: Tang = Father's Brother's kids. Biao = Everyone else (Mother's side and Father's Sister's side).
Mistake 2: Ignoring Seniority: While '表兄弟姐妹' is a collective noun, when addressing them individually, you must use the correct title based on age (e.g., calling an older cousin '表弟' is a major faux pas).

错误：我爸爸的哥哥的儿子是我的表哥。 (Incorrect: My father's older brother's son is my Biao-older-brother.) 正确：他是我的堂哥。

Another common mistake is the pronunciation of the 'Biao' (third tone). Learners often flatten it to a first tone, which can make the word unrecognizable or sound like 'standard' (标). Precision in the third tone is necessary to distinguish 'family' from 'labels' or 'standards.' Furthermore, some learners struggle with the length of the word 表兄弟姐妹 and try to shorten it to just '表' or '表姐妹'. While '表亲' is an acceptable alternative, simply saying '表' is grammatically incomplete in Mandarin.

不要把所有的“Cousins”都翻译成表兄弟姐妹，要先看他们是谁的孩子。(Don't translate all 'cousins' as Biao-cousins; first see whose children they are.)

Lastly, don't forget the measure word. In English, we say 'three cousins.' In Chinese, you MUST say '三个表兄弟姐妹.' Skipping the '个' (gè) makes the sentence sound 'broken' and non-native. Also, be careful with the gender balance in the word. If you only have female cousins on your mother's side, you should use '表姐妹' rather than the full '表兄弟姐妹,' which implies a mix of genders or a general category. Precision is the soul of Chinese kinship!

To truly master the vocabulary of Chinese family relations, you must understand how 表兄弟姐妹 fits into the broader lexicon of kinship. The most immediate 'rival' word is 堂兄弟姐妹 (táng xiōng dì jiě mèi). As discussed, the difference is strictly lineage-based. 'Tang' cousins are the children of your father's brothers. Traditionally, these cousins were considered as close as siblings because they shared the same ancestral hall (堂) and family name.

堂兄弟姐妹 (Táng xiōng dì jiě mèi): Paternal cousins (father's brother's children). Shared surname, 'inner' family.
表亲 (Biǎo qīn): A more formal, concise term for 'Biao' relatives in general. It covers cousins but can also include more distant 'Biao' relatives.
亲戚 (Qīn qi): The general word for 'relatives.' Use this if you want to be vague or if you've forgotten the specific kinship term.

相比于表兄弟姐妹，堂兄弟姐妹在传统观念中被认为更“亲”一些。(Compared to Biao-cousins, Tang-cousins are traditionally considered a bit 'closer'.)

There is also the term 远房亲戚 (yuǎn fáng qīn qi), which refers to distant relatives. If a 表兄弟姐妹 is from a very distant branch of the family (e.g., your grandfather's sister's grandson), you might call them a 'distant Biao cousin' (远房表亲). In modern slang, especially among the younger generation, you might hear the term '塑料姐妹花' (sù liào jiě mèi huā - plastic sisters) to describe fake friendships, but for real cousins, the terms remain quite traditional.

我们家有很多表兄弟姐妹，但堂兄弟姐妹只有两个。(Our family has many Biao-cousins, but only two Tang-cousins.)

In some regions, the term '姨表' (yí biǎo) is used specifically for cousins on the mother's side, and '姑表' (gū biǎo) for cousins on the father's sister's side. While these are very precise, 表兄弟姐妹 is the perfect umbrella term for all of them. When you are learning, focus on 'Biao' vs. 'Tang' first, as this is the most important distinction in the entire Chinese family system. Once you have that down, you can navigate any family reunion with confidence.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

In ancient times, because 'Biao' cousins were considered 'outside' the family line, they often had different surnames, which made marriages between them socially acceptable in ways that 'Tang' (same surname) marriages were not.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /biːˈaʊ ʃjɒŋ diː dʒjɛ meɪ/

US /biːˈaʊ ʃjɔŋ di dʒjɛ meɪ/

The primary stress in this compound is usually on the 'biǎo' and the 'xiōng', as they set the category and the start of the list.

Rima con

表 (Biǎo) rhymes with 鸟 (niǎo), 少 (shǎo). 兄 (Xiōng) rhymes with 中 (zhōng), 红 (hóng). 弟 (Dì) rhymes with 气 (qì), 地 (dì). 姐 (Jiě) rhymes with 写 (xiě), 也 (yě). 妹 (Mèi) rhymes with 对 (duì), 贵 (guì). The whole phrase doesn't rhyme, but follows a rhythmic 3-1-4-3-4 tone pattern. 巧 (qiǎo) 早 (zǎo)

Errores comunes

Pronouncing 'biǎo' in the 1st tone (biāo) instead of the 3rd tone.
Mumbling the 'dì' and 'jiě' characters, making the word sound like a blur.
Forgetting the 4th tone on 'mèi', making it sound like a question.
Swapping the order of 兄 and 弟 or 姐 and 妹.
Using the English 'cousin' stress pattern instead of individual Chinese tones.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 3/5

The characters are common, but the length of the word can be intimidating for beginners.

Escritura 4/5

Requires memorizing five distinct characters in a specific order.

Expresión oral 3/5

The tone changes (especially the dipping 3rd tones) require practice.

Escucha 2/5

Easy to recognize once you hear the 'Biao' prefix.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

哥哥弟弟姐姐妹妹家

Aprende después

堂兄弟姐妹亲戚舅舅/姨妈姑妈/叔叔祖父母

Avanzado

宗法旁系血亲姻亲嫡庶

Gramática que debes saber

Measure Word '个' with family members.

三个表兄弟姐妹

The pluralizing suffix '们' for people.

表兄弟姐妹们

Possessive '的' particle.

我的表兄弟姐妹

Collective noun formation by concatenation.

兄弟 + 姐妹 = 兄弟姐妹

Tone sandhi in 3rd tones (Biǎo + Jiě).

Biǎo (becomes 2nd tone) Jiě

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Ejemplos por nivel

我有两个表兄弟姐妹。

I have two cousins.

Uses the basic 'Subject + 有 + Number + 个 + Noun' structure.

他是我的表哥。

He is my (older male) cousin.

Uses '表哥', a specific component of '表兄弟姐妹'.

那是我的表妹。

That is my (younger female) cousin.

Demonstrates the female younger version of the term.

我的表兄弟姐妹住在北京。

My cousins live in Beijing.

Simple sentence with a location.

你喜欢你的表兄弟姐妹吗？

Do you like your cousins?

A basic 'ma' question.

我有五个表兄弟姐妹。

I have five cousins.

Practice with numbers and measure words.

这是我的表姐。

This is my (older female) cousin.

Basic introduction sentence.

我的表弟六岁。

My younger male cousin is six years old.

Stating age for a family member.

我和我的表兄弟姐妹一起去公园。

I go to the park with my cousins.

Uses '和...一起' (together with).

他的表兄弟姐妹都很大了。

His cousins are all grown up now.

Uses '都' (all) and '了' (change of state).

我没有堂兄弟姐妹，只有表兄弟姐妹。

I don't have paternal cousins, only other cousins.

Contrasts 'Tang' and 'Biao'.

我的表兄弟姐妹都很聪明。

My cousins are all very smart.

Adjective description with '很'.

你有很多表兄弟姐妹吗？

Do you have many cousins?

Asking about quantity.

我们要去见他的表兄弟姐妹。

We are going to meet his cousins.

Uses '要' (going to) and '见' (meet).

我的表兄弟姐妹送了我一个礼物。

My cousins gave me a gift.

Subject-Verb-Indirect Object-Direct Object.

那些是你的表兄弟姐妹吗？

Are those your cousins?

Demonstrative '那些' (those).

每逢过年，我所有的表兄弟姐妹都会回老家。

Every New Year, all my cousins go back to our hometown.

Uses '每逢' (every time) and '回老家' (return to hometown).

虽然我们不常见面，但我和表兄弟姐妹的关系很好。

Although we don't meet often, I have a good relationship with my cousins.

Uses '虽然...但' (although... but).

我的表兄弟姐妹们在不同的城市工作。

My cousins work in different cities.

Uses '们' for plural people and '不同' (different).

我请我的表兄弟姐妹来参加我的生日派对。

I invited my cousins to attend my birthday party.

Uses '请' (invite) and '参加' (attend).

在我的表兄弟姐妹中，他是最淘气的一个。

Among my cousins, he is the most mischievous one.

Uses '在...中' (among) and superlative '最'.

我想给我的表兄弟姐妹买一些特别的纪念品。

I want to buy some special souvenirs for my cousins.

Uses '给' (for) and '纪念品' (souvenir).

我的父母希望我和表兄弟姐妹多联系。

My parents hope I stay in touch more with my cousins.

Uses '希望' (hope) and '多联系' (contact more).

我们这代人，表兄弟姐妹的数量比上一代少多了。

In our generation, the number of cousins is much smaller than the previous one.

Uses '比' for comparison and '少多了' (much fewer).

由于独生子女政策的实施，许多中国家庭已经没有表兄弟姐妹了。

Due to the implementation of the One-Child Policy, many Chinese families no longer have cousins.

Uses formal '由于' (due to) and '实施' (implementation).

在处理复杂的家庭事务时，表兄弟姐妹的支持非常重要。

When dealing with complex family matters, the support of cousins is very important.

Uses '在...时' (when) and '事务' (affairs).

他与表兄弟姐妹之间有着深厚的感情，就像亲手足一样。

There is a deep affection between him and his cousins, just like biological siblings.

Uses '与...之间' (between) and '手足' (siblings metaphor).

在古代，表兄弟姐妹之间的婚姻在某些情况下是被允许的。

In ancient times, marriage between cousins was permitted under certain circumstances.

Uses '在...情况下' (under circumstances) and passive '被允许'.

我的表兄弟姐妹都在各自的领域取得了不小的成就。

My cousins have all achieved significant success in their respective fields.

Uses '各自' (respective) and '成就' (achievement).

为了庆祝祖母的八十寿辰，所有的表兄弟姐妹都聚齐了。

To celebrate grandmother's 80th birthday, all the cousins gathered together.

Uses '为了' (in order to) and '聚齐' (gather completely).

这种亲属关系不仅是血缘的纽带，更是文化的传承。

This kinship is not only a bond of blood, but also a cultural inheritance.

Uses '不仅是...更是' (not only... but even more).

他正在整理家谱，试图找回失散多年的表兄弟姐妹。

He is organizing the family tree, trying to find cousins who have been lost for many years.

Uses '整理' (organize) and '失散' (lost/scattered).

在现代都市生活中，表兄弟姐妹往往成为了我们最可靠的社交网络。

In modern urban life, cousins often become our most reliable social network.

Uses '往往' (often) and '社交网络' (social network).

这种微妙的亲疏远近，在堂亲与表兄弟姐妹的称谓中体现得淋漓尽致。

This subtle variation in closeness is vividly reflected in the titles of paternal and other cousins.

Uses '淋漓尽致' (vividly/thoroughly) and '称谓' (titles).

尽管社会结构在变，但表兄弟姐妹之间的互助传统依然根深蒂固。

Despite changes in social structure, the tradition of mutual aid among cousins remains deeply rooted.

Uses '尽管...但' (despite... but) and '根深蒂固' (deeply rooted).

在法律层面，表兄弟姐妹属于旁系血亲，其继承权有一定的法律规定。

On a legal level, cousins belong to collateral blood relatives, and their inheritance rights have specific legal provisions.

Uses '旁系血亲' (collateral blood relative) and '继承权' (inheritance rights).

通过研究表兄弟姐妹的互动模式，我们可以洞察中国家庭观念的变迁。

By studying the interaction patterns of cousins, we can gain insight into the changes in Chinese family values.

Uses '洞察' (insight) and '变迁' (changes/evolution).

他那众多的表兄弟姐妹构成了一个庞大而复杂的亲属集团。

His numerous cousins constitute a huge and complex kinship group.

Uses '构成' (constitute) and '庞大' (huge).

在某些文学作品中，表兄弟姐妹常被塑造成性格迥异的角色。

In some literary works, cousins are often portrayed as characters with vastly different personalities.

Uses '塑造' (portray/mold) and '迥异' (totally different).

这种基于血缘的信任感，使得表兄弟姐妹在创业初期更容易达成合作。

This blood-based sense of trust makes it easier for cousins to reach cooperation in the early stages of entrepreneurship.

Uses '基于' (based on) and '达成' (reach/achieve).

宗法制度的演变，深刻影响了古代法律对表兄弟姐妹社会地位的界定。

The evolution of the patriarchal clan system profoundly influenced the ancient legal definition of the social status of cousins.

Uses '宗法制度' (patriarchal clan system) and '界定' (definition/delimitation).

在《红楼梦》中，贾宝玉与众表兄弟姐妹的纠葛，映射了封建家族的衰败。

In 'Dream of the Red Chamber,' Jia Baoyu's entanglements with his cousins reflect the decline of feudal families.

Uses '映射' (reflect/map) and '衰败' (decline/decay).

现代遗传学对近亲通婚的限制，与传统礼教对表兄弟姐妹关系的规范形成了鲜明对比。

Modern genetics' restrictions on consanguineous marriage stand in sharp contrast to traditional ethical norms regulating cousin relationships.

Uses '近亲通婚' (consanguineous marriage) and '鲜明对比' (sharp contrast).

在全球化背景下，表兄弟姐妹这一称谓的内涵正经历着前所未有的重构。

In the context of globalization, the connotation of the title 'cousin' is undergoing an unprecedented reconstruction.

Uses '内涵' (connotation) and '重构' (reconstruction).

考察表兄弟姐妹之间的礼仪往来，可以揭示出中国传统社会的伦理底色。

Examining the etiquette and interactions among cousins can reveal the ethical background of traditional Chinese society.

Uses '考察' (examine/investigate) and '伦理底色' (ethical background).

尽管法律地位平等，但在某些宗族意识强烈的地区，堂亲与表兄弟姐妹的待遇仍有云泥之别。

Despite equal legal status, in some areas with strong clan consciousness, the treatment of paternal cousins and other cousins is still worlds apart.

Uses '云泥之别' (worlds apart - literally cloud and mud) and '待遇' (treatment).

此类亲属称谓的多样性，正是汉语作为一种高语境语言的独特魅力所在。

The diversity of such kinship titles is precisely the unique charm of Chinese as a high-context language.

Uses '高语境语言' (high-context language) and '魅力所在' (where the charm lies).

在探讨家族资本运作时，表兄弟姐妹往往被视为不可或缺的人力资源储备。

When exploring family capital operations, cousins are often regarded as an indispensable reserve of human resources.

Uses '不可或缺' (indispensable) and '储备' (reserve).

Colocaciones comunes

众多的表兄弟姐妹

远房表兄弟姐妹

介绍表兄弟姐妹

表兄弟姐妹聚会

和表兄弟姐妹玩耍

看望表兄弟姐妹

表兄弟姐妹的关系

唯一的表兄弟姐妹

表兄弟姐妹的婚礼

表兄弟姐妹的成就

Frases Comunes

表兄弟姐妹情

— The bond or affection between cousins. It describes a deep, familial friendship.

我们之间的表兄弟姐妹情非常深厚。

表兄弟姐妹聚首

— Cousins gathering together. Often used in written Chinese to describe a reunion.

多年后，表兄弟姐妹终于再次聚首。

表兄弟姐妹成群

— Having many cousins. Often used to describe large, traditional families.

在老家，他可是表兄弟姐妹成群。

表兄弟姐妹之亲

— The kinship of being cousins. A more formal way to describe the relationship.

虽然只是表兄弟姐妹之亲，但他们互帮互助。

表兄弟姐妹各奔东西

— Cousins going their separate ways (usually for work or study).

长大后，表兄弟姐妹们各奔东西了。

表兄弟姐妹走亲戚

— Cousins visiting relatives during holidays.

过年时，表兄弟姐妹成群结队地去走亲戚。

表兄弟姐妹互助

— Mutual aid among cousins.

在困难时期，表兄弟姐妹互助是常有的事。

表兄弟姐妹辈分

— The generation or seniority of cousins within the family tree.

虽然他年纪小，但他在表兄弟姐妹中辈分很高。

表兄弟姐妹合影

— A group photo of cousins.

这张表兄弟姐妹合影已经泛黄了。

表兄弟姐妹叙旧

— Cousins reminiscing about old times.

晚饭后，表兄弟姐妹们聚在一起叙旧。

Se confunde a menudo con

表兄弟姐妹 vs 堂兄弟姐妹

These are paternal cousins (father's brother's kids). They usually have the same surname.

表兄弟姐妹 vs 亲兄弟姐妹

These are biological siblings sharing both parents.

表兄弟姐妹 vs 表亲

A shorter version that can include more distant relatives, not just cousins.

Modismos y expresiones

"中表之戚"

— Relatives by marriage or from the maternal side; specifically cousins.

两家本有中表之戚，往来甚密。

Literary

"手足情深"

— Deep brotherly/sisterly affection. Often applied to close cousins.

他们虽然是表亲，却手足情深。

Common

"一脉相承"

— Derived from the same origin. Can describe shared family traits among cousins.

这些表兄弟姐妹的艺术天赋真是一脉相承。

Formal

"同气连枝"

— Of the same breath and connected branches. Describes siblings or very close cousins.

表兄弟姐妹本是同气连枝，理应互相扶持。

Literary

"外甥多似舅"

— A nephew often resembles his maternal uncle. Relates to the Biao relationship.

你看这孩子，真是‘外甥多似舅’，长得太像他表哥了。

Colloquial

"亲上加亲"

— To make a relationship even closer, often through the marriage of cousins (historically).

古人常说亲上加亲，所以表兄弟姐妹通婚很常见。

Traditional

"血浓于水"

— Blood is thicker than water. Emphasizes family bonds over others.

即使多年未见，表兄弟姐妹之间依然血浓于水。

Common

"四海之内皆兄弟"

— All men are brothers within the four seas. A broader application of kinship.

虽然他们是表兄弟姐妹，但这种情谊早已超越了血缘。

Philosophical

"门当户对"

— Families of equal social status. Often considered in cousin marriages historically.

在过去，表兄弟姐妹的联姻往往要求门当户对。

Formal

"枝繁叶茂"

— A family tree with many branches and leaves. Describes a large family with many cousins.

王家真是枝繁叶茂，表兄弟姐妹多得数不清。

Descriptive

Fácil de confundir

表兄弟姐妹 vs 堂哥

Both are 'older male cousins'.

堂哥 is your father's brother's son. 表哥 is everyone else's son.

我爸爸的哥哥的儿子是堂哥，我妈妈的哥哥的儿子是表哥。

表兄弟姐妹 vs 表亲

Both refer to 'Biao' relatives.

表兄弟姐妹 specifically means cousins. 表亲 is a general term for all Biao relatives.

他是我表亲，具体来说，他是我的表弟。

表兄弟姐妹 vs 外甥

Both involve the 'outside'/maternal side.

外甥 is your sister's son (nephew). 表兄弟姐妹 are your cousins.

我表哥的儿子是我的表侄子，不是外甥。

表兄弟姐妹 vs 老表

It sounds like a nickname for 'Biao'.

老表 is informal, often used in Jiangxi or other regions as a friendly address for anyone.

在江西，人们常互相称呼‘老表’。

表兄弟姐妹 vs 远亲

Both are extended relatives.

远亲 is for distant relatives. 表兄弟姐妹 are usually closer first cousins.

他不是远亲，他是我的亲表弟。

Patrones de oraciones

我有[Number]个表兄弟姐妹。

我有两个表兄弟姐妹。

这是我的[Specific Title]。

这是我的表哥。

我和[Possessive]表兄弟姐妹一起[Verb]。

我和我的表兄弟姐妹一起吃饭。

虽然...但[Subject]和表兄弟姐妹...

虽然很远，但我常给表兄弟姐妹打电话。

在[Group]中，[Specific person]最...

在表兄弟姐妹中，他最努力。

由于...，[Subject]没有表兄弟姐妹。

由于是独生子女，他没有表兄弟姐妹。

[Noun]体现了表兄弟姐妹之间的...

这封信体现了表兄弟姐妹之间的深情。

[Abstract concept]对表兄弟姐妹的关系产生了...

城市化进程对表兄弟姐妹的关系产生了深远影响。

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

表哥 (Older male cousin)

表弟 (Younger male cousin)

表姐 (Older female cousin)

表妹 (Younger female cousin)

表亲 (Biao relatives)

Relacionado

堂兄弟姐妹 (Paternal cousins)

亲戚 (Relatives)

家族 (Clan/Family)

辈分 (Generation/Seniority)

血缘 (Blood relationship)

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

High in family-oriented cultures; medium in modern urban discourse.

Errores comunes

Calling your father's brother's son '表哥'. → 堂哥
Father's brother's children are 'Tang', not 'Biao'. This is the most fundamental rule of Chinese kinship.
Saying '我有三个表'. → 我有三个表兄弟姐妹。
'表' alone usually means 'watch' or 'meter'. You must use the full kinship term or '表亲'.
Using the wrong order: '表姐妹兄弟'. → 表兄弟姐妹
Chinese always lists males before females and older before younger in these compounds.
Forgetting the measure word: '我有二表兄弟姐妹'. → 我有两个表兄弟姐妹。
You must use '个' (gè) or '位' (wèi) and change '二' to '两' when counting people.
Pronouncing '表' in the 1st tone. → Biǎo (3rd tone)
The 1st tone 'Biāo' means 'mark' or 'standard'. The 3rd tone is required for 'cousin'.

Consejos

The 'B' Rule

Remember B for 'Beyond'. Biao cousins are 'Beyond' the direct paternal line. This helps you separate them from the 'Tang' cousins.

Collective Nouns

Treat '表兄弟姐妹' as a single unit. You don't need to add '们' if you already have a number before it. '三个表兄弟姐妹' is perfect.

Surname Check

A quick way to check in a real conversation: if you and your cousin have different surnames, use 'Biao'. It works 99% of the time.

The Dipping Tone

Make sure to emphasize the low dip in 'Biǎo'. If you say it too high, it might sound like 'Standard' (Biāo), which is a different word.

Learn the components

If you learn 兄, 弟, 姐, and 妹 individually, you've already learned 80% of this word. The '表' is the only new part!

Respect the Age

Even though '表兄弟姐妹' is the group name, always address them individually by their specific title (like 表姐) to show respect for their age.

Context Clues

If you hear '姨妈' (maternal aunt) or '舅舅' (maternal uncle), get ready to hear '表' cousins mentioned soon after.

Order Matters

Always write 兄 then 弟, and 姐 then 妹. It's the natural rhythm of the Chinese language.

Gender Specifics

If you only have male cousins on that side, just say '表兄弟'. If only female, say '表姐妹'. Use the full word for a mixed group.

Digital Family

In WeChat groups, you'll often see groups named '表兄弟姐妹群'. This is the most common way to label the cousin chat!

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'Biao' as 'Beyond' the main family name. It's the 'Brothers and Sisters' (兄弟姐妹) who are 'Beyond' (表) your father's surname.

Asociación visual

Imagine a house. Your 'Tang' cousins are inside the house with you. Your 'Biao' cousins are standing outside on the 'Surface' (表) of the yard.

Word Web

表哥表弟表姐表妹舅舅姨妈姑妈亲戚

Desafío

Try to list all your cousins and categorize them into 'Biao' or 'Tang' using Chinese characters. If you don't have any, invent a fictional family tree!

Origen de la palabra

The term originates from the ancient Chinese kinship system, which categorized relatives based on the 'Zhongfa' (宗法) or patriarchal lineage system. The character '表' (biǎo) was used to denote those outside the core patriarchal clan.

Significado original: External or surface-level brothers and sisters.

Sino-Tibetan, Sinitic branch.

Contexto cultural

Be careful not to dismiss 'Biao' relatives as 'lesser' just because the word means 'outside'; in modern China, they are often just as close as any other family member.

English speakers often find this term difficult because English lacks the 'inner/outer' distinction. It requires a shift in how one perceives family boundaries.

Jia Baoyu and Lin Daiyu in 'Dream of the Red Chamber' (they are Biao cousins). The Legend of the White Snake (mentions kinship terms). Modern C-drama 'All is Well' (explores complex cousin dynamics).

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Family Reunions

好久不见，我的表兄弟姐妹们！
这是我所有的表兄弟姐妹。
我们表兄弟姐妹聚一张影吧。
大家都是表兄弟姐妹，别客气。

Introductions

他是我的一位表弟。
这些都是我的表兄弟姐妹。
我想介绍我的表姐给你认识。
这是我们家的表亲。

Legal/Official

申请表上需要填写表兄弟姐妹的信息。
他没有直系亲属，只有表兄弟姐妹。
法律规定的继承人包括表兄弟姐妹吗？
确认亲属关系。

Socializing

周末我和表兄弟姐妹去唱歌。
我表哥人很好，你可以找他帮忙。
我和表妹关系最亲。
表兄弟姐妹常聚聚。

Childhood Reminiscing

小时候常和表兄弟姐妹在乡下玩。
我们表兄弟姐妹几个总是在一起闯祸。
那时候表兄弟姐妹很多，很热闹。
童年的回忆。

Inicios de conversación

"你有多少个表兄弟姐妹？"

"你和你的表兄弟姐妹关系亲近吗？"

"过年的时候，你会见到你的表兄弟姐妹吗？"

"你的表兄弟姐妹中，谁和你最谈得来？"

"现在的中国年轻人是不是表兄弟姐妹越来越少了？"

Temas para diario

写一写你和某个表兄弟姐妹之间最难忘的一件事。

描述一下你理想中的表兄弟姐妹聚会是什么样子的。

你觉得在现代社会，表兄弟姐妹之间的关系重要吗？为什么？

比较一下你的表兄弟姐妹和你的亲兄弟姐妹（如果有的话）。

如果你的表兄弟姐妹需要帮助，你会怎么做？

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

It is a collective plural noun. It refers to the entire group of cousins. If you want to refer to just one person, you must use a specific title like '表哥' or '表妹'.

Historically, '表' means 'outside.' In a patriarchal society, children of the female relatives were considered 'outside' the main family lineage, which followed the father's name.

No. Those are '堂兄弟姐妹' (Táng xiōng dì jiě mèi). Using 'Biao' for them would be a mistake in Chinese kinship logic.

Yes, you should use the measure word '个' (gè) when counting them. For example, '三个表兄弟姐妹'.

Yes, '表亲' (biǎo qīn) is a shorter, more formal way to say 'Biao relatives,' but '表兄弟姐妹' is the most common way to say 'cousins' specifically.

If they are the children of your mother's siblings or your father's sisters, they are your 'Biao' cousins. Basically, if they don't share your father's surname (traditionally), they are 'Biao'.

Usually, it refers to first cousins. For more distant ones, you would add '远房' (yuǎn fáng), as in '远房表兄弟姐妹'.

Yes, it is used regardless of age. It describes the relationship, not the physical age of the people.

Yes, the order (Older Brother, Younger Brother, Older Sister, Younger Sister) is fixed and should not be changed.

Yes, they are still the standard terms. However, many only children might just call their cousins 'brother' or 'sister' in casual conversation to feel closer.

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