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A2 noun #7,500 le plus courant 7 min de lecture

外祖母

Maternal grandmother (formal).

wàizǔmǔ Top 7,500

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn family members. You might first learn '奶奶' (nǎinai - paternal grandma) or '外婆' (wàipó - maternal grandma) because these are common in daily life. '外祖母' (wàizǔmǔ) is a bit more advanced because it is formal. Think of it as the difference between 'Grandma' and 'Maternal Grandmother.' At this stage, just remember that if you see '外' (wài), it usually means the mother's side of the family. This word is good to recognize in textbooks, but you don't need to use it in your first basic conversations. Focus on the characters: 外 (outside), 祖 (grandparent), and 母 (mother). This logical combination makes it easier to memorize even for a beginner.

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At the A2 level, you are expected to handle basic social situations and formal introductions. '外祖母' is the standard term you should use when you want to sound polite or when you are talking about your family tree in a classroom setting. You should understand the difference between the 'Wài' (outside/maternal) and the 'Zǔ' (ancestral/paternal) prefixes. A2 learners should be able to distinguish between '外祖母' and '外婆.' While both mean maternal grandmother, '外祖母' is for formal writing and '外婆' is for speaking. You might encounter this in a reading passage about a famous person's life history. Practice writing the characters, as they are fundamental components used in many other family-related words.

By B1, you should be comfortable using '外祖母' in written essays or formal presentations. You should also understand the cultural background: why is she called the 'outside' grandmother? This reflects China's traditional patrilineal society. At this level, you should also be aware of tone sandhi (the change in tones when two third-tones appear together). When saying 'zǔ mǔ,' the 'zǔ' changes to a second tone. You should be able to use this word in a sentence like: 'My maternal grandmother (外祖母) passed away ten years ago,' which sounds more dignified and respectful in a formal narrative than using colloquial terms. You will see this word in literature and news reports frequently.

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At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of when NOT to use '外祖母.' You should recognize that using it in a casual conversation might create social distance. You should also be familiar with related formal terms like '外祖父' (maternal grandfather) and '祖父母' (paternal grandparents). B2 learners should be able to read complex biographies where '外祖母' is used to describe family influence and heritage. You should also be able to explain the kinship system to others using these formal terms. This level requires you to understand the register shift between spoken dialects (like 'Lǎolao') and the standard written form '外祖母.'

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At the C1 level, you are expected to understand the historical and literary significance of '外祖母.' You will encounter this word in classical literature and formal academic papers on sociology or history. You should be able to discuss the evolution of family titles in China and how '外祖母' has remained a stable, formal anchor amidst various regional dialects. You should also be familiar with even more formal or archaic variations found in literature, such as '外家' or '外氏,' and how '外祖母' serves as the modern standard. Your usage should be flawless, applying it correctly in high-level administrative or legal contexts without hesitation.

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At the C2 level, '外祖母' is a basic building block for discussing complex genealogical structures and historical kinship laws. You should be able to analyze how the term '外' (outside) reflects ancient Confucian family values and how these values are still embedded in the language today. You can effortlessly switch between various regional dialects and the formal '外祖母' depending on your audience and the desired emotional tone. You might even explore the legal implications of maternal lineage in modern Chinese law, where '外祖母' would be the precise term used in inheritance disputes or guardianship documentation. You have a master-level grasp of the word's stylistic weight.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

外祖母 en 30 secondes

外祖母 is the formal, written term for your maternal grandmother (your mother's mother).
It uses '外' (outside) to specify the mother's side of the family lineage.
Commonly found in literature, news, and legal documents rather than daily conversation.
Distinguished from '祖母' (paternal grandmother) and colloquial terms like '外婆' or '姥姥'.

The term 外祖母 (wài zǔ mǔ) is the formal, standard Chinese designation for one's maternal grandmother—the mother of one's mother. To understand this word, one must delve into the deep structural logic of the Chinese kinship system, which is significantly more specific than the English 'grandmother.' In English, the word 'grandmother' is an umbrella term that covers both the paternal and maternal sides. However, in Chinese culture, the distinction between the father's lineage and the mother's lineage is paramount. The character 外 (wài) literally translates to 'outside' or 'external.' Historically, in a patrilineal society, a woman was considered to have 'left' her birth family upon marriage to join her husband's family. Consequently, her parents and relatives were referred to as 'outside' relatives. The character 祖 (zǔ) refers to ancestors or grandparents, and 母 (mǔ) is the formal word for mother. Combined, 外祖母 conveys a sense of respect and formal identification within a genealogical context.

Formal Register: This term is primarily used in written documents, formal introductions, legal contexts, or literature. While you might call your grandmother 'Wàipó' or 'Lǎolao' to her face, you would use 'Wàizǔmǔ' when writing a biography or filling out a formal family tree application.
Regional Neutrality: Unlike colloquial terms that vary by region (Northern vs. Southern China), 外祖母 is understood and used as the standard academic and formal term across all Mandarin-speaking regions.

"在我的家谱中，外祖母的名字被排在显着的位置。" (In my family tree, my maternal grandmother's name is placed in a prominent position.)

When learning this word, it is helpful to compare it to 祖母 (zǔ mǔ), which refers specifically to the paternal grandmother. In a formal setting, if you simply say 'my grandmother,' a Chinese listener might be confused if the context requires knowing which side of the family you are referring to. Using 外祖母 eliminates all ambiguity. It is a word that commands respect and indicates a high level of linguistic proficiency in Mandarin, as beginners often stick to the more common colloquialisms.

"法律文件上必须填写外祖母的真实姓名。" (The real name of the maternal grandmother must be filled in on legal documents.)

Using 外祖母 correctly requires an understanding of 'register'—the level of formality in your speech or writing. Because it is a formal term, it is rarely used in casual conversation with friends. Instead, you will find it in academic essays, news reports, and formal introductions. For example, if you are writing an essay about your family history for a university application, 外祖母 is the appropriate choice. Conversely, if you are telling a friend about the cookies your grandma made, you would use 'Wàipó' (Southern) or 'Lǎolao' (Northern).

In Formal Writing: When writing, 外祖母 often acts as a subject or object in complex sentences describing lineage or inheritance. It provides a dignified tone to the narrative.

"我的外祖母出生于一个书香门第。" (My maternal grandmother was born into a family of scholars.)

Another important usage is in the context of honorary titles or posthumous mentions. In Chinese culture, ancestors are revered, and using formal terminology like 外祖母 is a sign of filial piety (孝, xiào) and respect. Even if you called her 'Wàipó' during her lifetime, in a formal eulogy or on a tombstone, the term 外祖母 (or the even more formal 外祖妣 in very traditional contexts) might be used.

"这位老人正是他的外祖母，她已经九十岁了。" (This elderly person is precisely his maternal grandmother; she is already ninety years old.)

In daily life, the frequency of hearing 外祖母 is lower than its colloquial counterparts, but it is ubiquitous in specific media and formal environments. If you watch a historical drama (C-drama) set in the Qing Dynasty or the Republican era, characters belonging to the upper class or scholarly families will frequently use 外祖母 to refer to their maternal grandmothers to demonstrate their upbringing and refinement. It is a marker of 'proper' speech.

News and Media: Journalists and news anchors use this term when reporting on family matters of public figures or when discussing demographic statistics. It maintains the professional distance required in journalism.
Literature: In classic novels like 'Dream of the Red Chamber' or modern literary works by authors like Mo Yan, 外祖母 is the standard descriptive term used by the narrator.

"新闻报道中提到，这位慈善家的外祖母对他影响深远。" (The news report mentioned that the philanthropist's maternal grandmother had a profound influence on him.)

You will also encounter this word in textbooks and language proficiency exams (like the HSK). For learners, it is a key vocabulary word for the A2/B1 levels because it introduces the concept of 'formal vs. informal' family titles, which is a core component of Chinese social linguistics. Understanding 外祖母 helps you navigate formal social gatherings where you might need to introduce your family members to someone of higher status or in a professional capacity.

The most frequent mistake for English speakers is the 'Grandmother Generalization.' In English, 'Grandma' is a one-size-fits-all word. In Chinese, using the wrong title can be seen as a lack of cultural awareness or, in some traditional settings, even disrespectful to the lineage. The most common error is confusing 祖母 (zǔ mǔ) with 外祖母 (wài zǔ mǔ).

Mistake 1: Paternal vs. Maternal: Using 祖母 to refer to your mother's mother. Remember: 祖母 is only for your father's mother. If it's your mother's side, you MUST include the 外 (wài).
Mistake 2: Over-formality: Calling your grandmother 外祖母 directly when talking to her. This sounds extremely cold and distant, almost like calling your mother 'Female Parent.' Use 'Wàipó' or 'Lǎolao' for direct address.

"错误用法：我对外祖母说：'外祖母，我想吃糖。' (Incorrect: Saying to her directly, 'Maternal Grandmother, I want candy.')"

Another subtle mistake is the mispronunciation of the tones. Wài is 4th tone (falling), zǔ is 3rd tone (dipping), and mǔ is 3rd tone (dipping). When two 3rd tones are together (zǔ mǔ), the first one changes to a 2nd tone (rising). So, it sounds like wài zú mǔ. Failing to apply this tone sandhi rule makes your speech sound robotic and unnatural.

Chinese has a rich vocabulary for grandmothers depending on region, dialect, and formality. Understanding where 外祖母 fits in this hierarchy is essential for fluency. Below is a comparison of common alternatives.

外婆 (Wàipó): The most common colloquial term in Southern China and Taiwan. It is warm, affectionate, and used both for direct address and talking about her to others.
姥姥 (Lǎolao): The standard colloquial term in Northern China (including Beijing). Similar to 'Wàipó,' it is intimate and widely used in daily life.
祖母 (Zǔmǔ): The formal term for the paternal grandmother. The lack of 'Wài' (outside) signifies the 'internal' or paternal line.

"在南方，人们通常叫外婆；但在正式场合，他们会称其为外祖母。" (In the South, people usually say 'Wàipó'; but in formal occasions, they call her 'Wàizǔmǔ'.)

Choosing the right word shows your cultural 'EQ.' If you are writing a letter to a Chinese business partner and mention their family, using 外祖母 shows high respect. If you are visiting a friend's house, you should ask, 'Nǐ de wàipó/lǎolao zài jiā ma?' (Is your grandma home?). Using 外祖母 in that casual setting would sound like you are reading from a legal contract.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Neutre

Informel

Child friendly

Argot

Le savais-tu ?

In ancient China, children of daughters were called 'Wàisūn' (outside grandchildren) because they did not carry the family surname, leading to the 'Wài' prefix for all maternal grandparents.

Guide de prononciation

UK /waɪ tsuː muː/

US /waɪ tsu mu/

The primary stress is on 'wài', with a secondary emphasis on the final 'mǔ'.

Rime avec

母 (mǔ) rhymes with: 虎 (hǔ), 鼓 (gǔ), 土 (tǔ), 补 (bǔ), 舞 (wǔ), 苦 (kǔ), 谱 (pǔ), 腐 (fǔ)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'wài' with a rising tone instead of a falling tone.
Failing to change 'zǔ' to a second tone (rising) before 'mǔ'.
Pronouncing 'mǔ' like 'mu' in 'music' (should be more like 'moo').
Using a flat tone for 'zǔ', making it sound like 'zū'.
Confusing 'mǔ' (mother) with 'mù' (wood/eye).

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

The characters are common but '祖' and '母' require some practice for beginners.

Écriture 3/5

Writing '祖' (zǔ) correctly with the '礻' radical is a common hurdle.

Expression orale 2/5

The tone sandhi for 'zǔ mǔ' is the main challenge.

Écoute 2/5

Easy to recognize if you know the 'Wài' prefix.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

外 (Outside) 祖 (Ancestor) 母 (Mother) 母亲 (Mother) 奶奶 (Paternal Grandma)

Apprends ensuite

外祖父 (Maternal Grandpa) 祖父 (Paternal Grandpa) 亲戚 (Relatives) 家谱 (Family Tree) 孝顺 (Filial Piety)

Avancé

曾祖父母 (Great-grandparents) 堂亲 (Paternal cousins) 表亲 (Maternal cousins) 姻亲 (In-laws) 宗法 (Clan law)

Grammaire à connaître

Tone Sandhi (3rd Tone)

In 'zǔ mǔ' (3rd + 3rd), 'zǔ' changes to 2nd tone.

Possessive '的'

外祖母的手 (Maternal grandmother's hand).

Formal Reference

Using '外祖母' as a 3rd person reference vs. '外婆' as a 1st person address.

Honorific Measure Words

Using '位' (wèi) for elders: 一位外祖母.

Kinship Prefixes

Using '外' (wài) to distinguish the maternal line consistently.

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Exemples par niveau

我的外祖母不在家。

My maternal grandmother is not at home.

Simple subject-verb-adverb structure.

外祖母很漂亮。

Maternal grandmother is very beautiful.

Adjective predicate with '很'.

她是我外祖母。

She is my maternal grandmother.

Basic 'A is B' sentence.

外祖母爱我。

Maternal grandmother loves me.

Simple SVO sentence.

外祖母八十岁。

Maternal grandmother is eighty years old.

Age description.

外祖母有三只猫。

Maternal grandmother has three cats.

'有' (to have) structure.

这是外祖母的照片。

This is a photo of maternal grandmother.

Possessive '的'.

外祖母在喝茶。

Maternal grandmother is drinking tea.

Present continuous with '在'.

我要去探望我的外祖母。

I am going to visit my maternal grandmother.

Using '去' to indicate purpose.

外祖母送我一件毛衣。

Maternal grandmother gave me a sweater.

Double object verb '送'.

外祖母住在北京。

Maternal grandmother lives in Beijing.

Verb + '在' + location.

我的外祖母生病了。

My maternal grandmother is sick.

'了' indicating a change of state.

外祖母喜欢听京剧。

Maternal grandmother likes listening to Peking Opera.

Compound verb '喜欢听'.

我和外祖母一起去公园。

I go to the park together with my maternal grandmother.

'和...一起' structure.

外祖母做的菜很好吃。

The food made by maternal grandmother is delicious.

Relative clause with '做的'.

外祖母每天都锻炼。

Maternal grandmother exercises every day.

'每天...都' for frequency.

虽然外祖母年纪大了，但精神很好。

Although maternal grandmother is old, her spirit is very good.

Conjunction '虽然...但'.

我对外祖母的印象非常深刻。

My impression of my maternal grandmother is very deep.

'对...的印象' pattern.

外祖母经常给我讲过去的故事。

Maternal grandmother often tells me stories about the past.

Adverb '经常' + '给我讲'.

外祖母希望我能回老家看看。

Maternal grandmother hopes I can return to the hometown to visit.

Verb '希望' followed by a clause.

这件首饰是外祖母留给我的。

This piece of jewelry was left to me by my maternal grandmother.

'留给' indicating inheritance.

外祖母总是那么和蔼可亲。

Maternal grandmother is always so kind and amiable.

Idiomatic expression '和蔼可亲'.

外祖母对我要求很严格。

Maternal grandmother is very strict with me.

'对...要求严格'.

我打算暑假回乡下看望外祖母。

I plan to go back to the countryside to visit my maternal grandmother during summer vacation.

Verb '打算' (to plan).

外祖母的教诲让我终生受益。

Maternal grandmother's teachings have benefited me for a lifetime.

Formal noun '教诲' and idiom '终生受益'.

据外祖母回忆，那年的冬天特别冷。

According to maternal grandmother's memory, that winter was particularly cold.

Formal preposition '据' (according to).

外祖母一生勤俭持家，深受邻里尊敬。

Maternal grandmother lived a frugal life and managed the household well, earning deep respect from the neighbors.

Four-character idiom '勤俭持家'.

每当我想起外祖母，心中就充满温暖。

Whenever I think of my maternal grandmother, my heart is filled with warmth.

'每当...就' (whenever... then).

外祖母不仅会缝纫，还会剪纸。

Maternal grandmother not only knows how to sew but also how to do paper-cutting.

'不仅...还' structure.

在我的成长过程中，外祖母扮演了重要的角色。

In the process of my growth, my maternal grandmother played an important role.

'扮演...角色' (play a role).

外祖母悉心照顾着花园里的每一盆花。

Maternal grandmother carefully takes care of every pot of flowers in the garden.

Adverb '悉心' (with care).

由于外祖母的坚持，我才学会了钢琴。

Due to maternal grandmother's persistence, I finally learned the piano.

'由于...才' (due to... only then).

外祖母那一代人的价值观与我们迥然不同。

The values of my maternal grandmother's generation are vastly different from ours.

Formal idiom '迥然不同'.

外祖母晚年致力于慈善事业，令人敬佩。

In her later years, my maternal grandmother devoted herself to charitable causes, which is admirable.

Formal term '致力于' (devote to).

这篇文章深情地讴歌了作者的外祖母。

This article affectionately eulogizes the author's maternal grandmother.

Formal verb '讴歌' (to praise/eulogize).

外祖母在家族中拥有极高的威望。

Maternal grandmother possesses extremely high prestige within the family.

Formal noun '威望' (prestige).

外祖母的离世对母亲来说是一个沉重的打击。

Maternal grandmother's passing was a heavy blow to my mother.

Noun phrase as subject '外祖母的离世'.

外祖母性格坚韧，历经磨难却依然乐观。

Maternal grandmother has a resilient character; despite many hardships, she remains optimistic.

Complex descriptive clause.

作为外祖母唯一的继承人，他承担了巨大的责任。

As the sole heir of his maternal grandmother, he assumed great responsibility.

Formal term '继承人' (heir).

外祖母对传统文化有着深厚的造诣。

Maternal grandmother has profound accomplishments in traditional culture.

Formal term '造诣' (attainments).

外祖母的言行举止无不体现出旧时大家闺秀的风范。

Every word and action of my maternal grandmother embodied the demeanor of a lady from a prominent family of the old days.

Double negative '无不' for emphasis.

探究外祖母的家世背景，可以窥见那个时代的社会变迁。

Exploring maternal grandmother's family background offers a glimpse into the social changes of that era.

Formal verb '窥见' (to glimpse).

外祖母对家族传统的恪守，在现代社会显得尤为珍贵。

Maternal grandmother's adherence to family traditions appears particularly precious in modern society.

Formal noun '恪守' (scrupulous abiding).

在那个动荡的年代，外祖母以一己之力撑起了整个家。

In those turbulent times, maternal grandmother supported the entire family single-handedly.

Idiomatic '以一己之力'.

外祖母的智慧并非来自书本，而是源于生活的磨砺。

Maternal grandmother's wisdom did not come from books but originated from the trials of life.

'并非...而是' structure.

外祖母留下的那些家书，字里行间充满了对后辈的期许。

The family letters left by maternal grandmother are filled with expectations for the younger generation in every line.

Idiom '字里行间' (between the lines).

外祖母的处世哲学深受道家思想的影响。

Maternal grandmother's philosophy of life was deeply influenced by Taoist thought.

Formal term '处世哲学' (philosophy of life).

尽管岁月流逝，外祖母那慈祥的面容依然清晰地印在我的脑海里。

Despite the passage of time, maternal grandmother's kind face remains clearly etched in my mind.

Conjunction '尽管...依然'.

Collocations courantes

慈祥的外祖母

外祖母的教诲

外祖母的遗产

看望外祖母

外祖母的身影

外祖母的故乡

年迈的外祖母

外祖母的手艺

怀念外祖母

外祖母的叮嘱

Phrases Courantes

外祖父母

外祖母家

外祖母的笑脸

外祖母的关怀

外祖母的厨艺

听外祖母讲故事

外祖母的生日

像外祖母一样

外祖母的期望

外祖母的习惯

Souvent confondu avec

外祖母 vs 祖母

This is the paternal grandmother. Don't forget the 'Wài' for the maternal side!

外祖母 vs 外婆

Same person, but 'Wàipó' is casual and 'Wàizǔmǔ' is formal.

外祖母 vs 姥姥

Northern colloquial version of the same person.

Expressions idiomatiques

"含饴弄孙"

To play with one's grandchildren while having candy in one's mouth; describes the happy life of elderly people.

外祖母现在赋闲在家，享受含饴弄孙之乐。

Literary

"三代同堂"

Three generations living under one roof. Often involves the grandmother.

外祖母希望我们家能三代同堂。

Neutral

"老有所依"

The elderly having someone to rely on/be taken care of.

我们应该确保外祖母老有所依。

Formal

"慈眉善目"

Having a kind and pleasant countenance; often used to describe grandmothers.

外祖母长得慈眉善目，非常和蔼。

Descriptive

"白发苍苍"

Grey-haired; describing the appearance of an elderly person.

外祖母虽然白发苍苍，但身体很好。

Literary

"耳聪目明"

Have good hearing and eyesight; used to describe healthy elderly people.

外祖母九十岁了，依然耳聪目明。

Neutral

"德高望重"

A person of great virtue and high prestige.

外祖母在村里是一位德高望重的老人。

Formal

"长命百岁"

Live to be a hundred years old; a common wish for elders.

祝外祖母长命百岁！

Informal/Greeting

"舐犊情深"

Deep parental love (literally: a cow licking its calf).

外祖母对外孙的爱真是舐犊情深。

Literary

"安享晚年"

To enjoy one's remaining years in peace and comfort.

我们希望外祖母能安享晚年。

Formal

Facile à confondre

外祖母 vs 祖母

Both mean 'grandmother.'

祖母 is father's mother; 外祖母 is mother's mother.

祖母和外祖母都在我的生日聚会上。

外祖母 vs 外公

Both start with 'Wài' and refer to the mother's side.

外公 is grandfather; 外祖母 is grandmother.

外公和外祖母结婚五十年了。

外祖母 vs 外婆

Identical meaning.

外婆 is for speaking/affection; 外祖母 is for writing/formal reference.

我写信给外祖母，但我当面叫她外婆。

外祖母 vs 奶奶

General word for grandma in some learner contexts.

奶奶 is specifically paternal grandma in standard Mandarin.

北方人叫祖母为奶奶。

外祖母 vs 祖父

Similar looking characters.

祖父 is paternal grandfather; 外祖母 is maternal grandmother.

祖父和外祖母来自不同的省份。

Structures de phrases

我的外祖母是 [Occupation]。

我的外祖母是医生。

外祖母住在 [Location]。

外祖母住在上海。

外祖母经常 [Action]。

外祖母经常去公园散步。

虽然外祖母很老，但是 [Condition]。

虽然外祖母很老，但是她的记性很好。

在外祖母的 [Noun] 下，我 [Result]。

在外祖母的鼓励下，我考上了大学。

据外祖母说，[Clause]。

据外祖母说，她年轻时很漂亮。

外祖母那一代人 [Verb] [Object]。

外祖母那一代人经历了许多苦难。

外祖母的 [Abstract Noun] 让我 [Effect]。

外祖母的坚韧不拔让我深受感动。

Famille de mots

Noms

Apparenté

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in literature, rare in casual speech.

Erreurs courantes

Using '外祖母' to address her directly. → Use '外婆' or '姥姥'.
It sounds too clinical and cold for direct conversation with a family member.
Confusing '外祖母' with '祖母'. → Check if it's the mother's or father's side.
The '外' (outside) is strictly for the maternal side. Omitting it changes the meaning to paternal grandmother.
Writing '祖' with two dots in the radical. → Use '礻' (one dot).
The '礻' radical is for things related to spirits/ancestors; '衤' (two dots) is for clothing.
Incorrect tone sandhi. → Pronounce 'zǔ' as 2nd tone when followed by 'mǔ'.
Two 3rd tones in a row require the first to change to 2nd tone for better flow.
Using '外祖母' in a very casual text to a friend. → Use '外婆'.
It breaks the informal register of texting and sounds like you are writing a legal report.

Astuces

Use with Measure Words

Always use '位' (wèi) instead of '个' (gè) when referring to her in formal contexts to show respect.

Respect the Lineage

In formal introductions, always introduce the paternal side before the maternal side as per tradition.

The Falling Tone

Make sure 'Wài' is a strong falling tone. If it's too flat, it might sound like '歪' (wāi - crooked).

Radical Awareness

The radical in '祖' is related to rituals and ancestors. Remembering this helps you distinguish it from other radicals.

Professional Settings

If you are filling out a form in China, always use '外祖母' for your mother's mother.

Pairing

Learn '外祖母' and '外祖父' together as a pair to remember the maternal grandparents.

Context Clues

If you hear 'Wài', immediately look for context about the mother's family.

Outside Mom

Think: 'Outside (Wài) Ancestor (Zǔ) Mother (Mǔ)'. It's very logical!

Tone Sandhi Practice

Say 'zǔ mǔ' ten times fast, making sure the first one rises like a question.

Literary Recognition

When reading books, underline '外祖母' to see how often it's used for character description.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think: 'Wài' (Outside) + 'Zǔ' (Ancestor) + 'Mǔ' (Mother). She is the 'Mother-Ancestor' from the 'Outside' family.

Association visuelle

Imagine a family tree. On the left (father's side), everything is 'Internal.' On the right (mother's side), everyone has a little 'Wài' (Outside) tag.

Word Web

外 (Outside) 祖 (Ancestor) 母 (Mother) 外婆 (Colloquial) 外祖父 (Grandfather) 母亲 (Mother) 家谱 (Family Tree) 正式 (Formal)

Défi

Try to introduce your maternal grandmother to an imaginary Chinese official using only the term 'Wàizǔmǔ' and formal verbs like '介绍' (introduce).

Origine du mot

The term originates from ancient Chinese kinship structures where '外' (outside) was used for maternal relatives. This system dates back to the Zhou Dynasty, where patrilineal descent determined family membership.

Sens originel : Maternal ancestor-mother; the mother of one's mother in a formal genealogical context.

Sino-Tibetan

Contexte culturel

Be careful not to imply that 'Wài' means she is not 'real' family; it is purely a genealogical marker.

English speakers often find the 'outside' label strange or exclusionary, but in Chinese, it is a neutral descriptor of lineage.

The grandmother of the Jia family in 'Dream of the Red Chamber' (though usually called 'Lao Tai Tai'). Biographies of famous Chinese leaders often start with their 'Wàizǔmǔ'. The classic poem 'Mulan' mentions family members in formal terms.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Writing a biography

外祖母出生于...
受外祖母影响...
外祖母的教导...
继承外祖母的...

Legal Documents

外祖母姓名
外祖母住址
与外祖母的关系
外祖母为监护人

Formal Introduction

这位是我的外祖母
请允许我介绍我的外祖母
外祖母特意从家乡赶来
向外祖母问好

Literature/Storytelling

外祖母那双布满皱纹的手
外祖母慈祥的目光
外祖母沉默不语
外祖母的身影消失在街角

Genealogy Research

外祖母的族谱
外祖母的娘家
外祖母的兄弟姐妹
追溯到外祖母一代

Amorces de conversation

"你的外祖母身体还好吗？ (How is your maternal grandmother's health?)"

"你长得像你的外祖母吗？ (Do you look like your maternal grandmother?)"

"你的外祖母住在哪个城市？ (In which city does your maternal grandmother live?)"

"你外祖母最拿手的菜是什么？ (What is your maternal grandmother's specialty dish?)"

"你从外祖母那里学到了什么？ (What did you learn from your maternal grandmother?)"

Sujets d'écriture

写一段关于你外祖母性格的描述。 (Write a description of your maternal grandmother's personality.)

描述一次你和外祖母在一起的难忘经历。 (Describe an unforgettable experience you had with your maternal grandmother.)

如果你的外祖母给你写一封信，她会说什么？ (If your maternal grandmother wrote you a letter, what would she say?)

讨论外祖母在你生命中的重要性。 (Discuss the importance of your maternal grandmother in your life.)

比较你的祖母和外祖母的不同之处。 (Compare the differences between your paternal and maternal grandmothers.)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Technically yes, but it sounds very strange and overly formal, like calling your dad 'Father' in a casual setting. Stick to 'Wàipó' or 'Lǎolao' for direct address.

The difference is register. 'Wàizǔmǔ' is formal and written (书面语), while 'Wàipó' is colloquial and spoken (口语).

Historically, daughters were considered to leave their family when they married. Thus, her parents were 'outside' the paternal family tree.

Yes, it is the standard formal term used across all of China, regardless of regional dialects.

Yes, it is '祖母' (zǔ mǔ). Notice it lacks the '外' prefix.

It consists of the '礻' (spirit/ancestor) radical on the left and '且' on the right. Be careful not to add an extra dot to the radical.

Since 'zǔ' and 'mǔ' are both 3rd tones, 'zǔ' changes to the 2nd tone (rising).

Yes, it often appears in reading comprehension passages from HSK 3 and above.

You can use '继外祖母' (jì wàizǔmǔ) for step-maternal grandmother.

No, that would be '曾外祖母' (céng wàizǔmǔ).

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