When you're talking about family, sometimes you have relatives who live far away or who you don't see very often. These are your distant relatives. In Chinese, we call them 远亲 (yuǎnqīn). The first character, 远 (yuǎn), means 'far' or 'distant'. The second character, 亲 (qīn), means 'relative' or 'dear one'. So, putting them together, you get 'distant relative'. It's a useful word for describing those family members who aren't in your immediate circle but are still connected to you by blood or marriage.
§ What 远亲 means
The Chinese word 远亲 (yuǎnqīn) literally breaks down into 远 (yuǎn), meaning 'distant' or 'far,' and 亲 (qīn), meaning 'relative' or 'dear one.' So, put them together, and you get 'distant relative.' Simple, right?
- DEFINITION
- A relative who is not closely related, such as a second cousin, a great-aunt, or a family member from a different branch of the family tree.
In English, we might say 'distant cousin' or 'extended family member.' In Chinese, 远亲 covers all these. It's a handy, general term.
§ How to use it in a sentence
Using 远亲 in a sentence is pretty straightforward. It acts like a regular noun. You can put it with a possessive, like 'my distant relative,' or use it as the subject or object of a sentence.
- As a possessive: Just add 的 (de) after a pronoun or noun to show possession.
他是我家的远亲。
Tā shì wǒ jiā de yuǎnqīn.
He is my family's distant relative. (He is a distant relative of my family.)
我们有一个住在乡下的远亲。
Wǒmen yǒu yīgè zhù zài xiāngxià de yuǎnqīn.
We have a distant relative who lives in the countryside.
- As the subject of a sentence:
远亲不如近邻。
Yuǎnqīn bùrú jìnlín.
Distant relatives are not as good as close neighbors. (A common Chinese saying, similar to 'A neighbor nearby is better than a brother far off.')
每年春节，一些远亲会来我家拜年。
Měi nián Chūnjié, yīxiē yuǎnqīn huì lái wǒ jiā bàinián.
Every Chinese New Year, some distant relatives will come to my house to pay New Year's greetings.
- As the object of a sentence:
我很久没见过这位远亲了。
Wǒ hěn jiǔ méi jiànguò zhè wèi yuǎnqīn le.
I haven't seen this distant relative for a long time.
他去拜访了他的远亲。
Tā qù bàifǎng le tā de yuǎnqīn.
He went to visit his distant relative.
There aren't any tricky prepositions specifically tied to 远亲. You'll use the standard prepositions based on the context of your sentence, just like with any other noun.
§ Common phrases with 远亲
You'll often hear 远亲 used in specific contexts or common phrases.
- 远亲不如近邻 (yuǎnqīn bùrú jìnlín): This is a very common proverb. It means 'Distant relatives are not as good as close neighbors.' It emphasizes the importance of immediate community support over family members who live far away.
遇到困难时，远亲不如近邻这句话真的很有道理。
Yù dào kùnnan shí, yuǎnqīn bùrú jìnlín zhè jù huà zhēnde hěn yǒu dàolǐ.
When encountering difficulties, the saying 'distant relatives are not as good as close neighbors' truly makes sense.
- 泛泛之交 vs. 远亲 (fànfàn zhī jiāo vs. yuǎnqīn): While not a fixed phrase, it's useful to distinguish. 泛泛之交 refers to a casual acquaintance, someone you know but aren't close to. A 远亲 is still family, even if distant. There's a fundamental difference in relationship.
재미있는 사실
This term is straightforward in its composition, highlighting the importance of proximity in traditional Chinese family structures, where 'near' relatives often have a stronger bond.
발음 가이드
- mispronouncing the 'u' as 'oo'
- not clearly distinguishing the 'q' sound
알아야 할 문법
The character "远" (yuǎn) means 'far' or 'distant.' It can be used as an adjective before nouns to describe things that are far away.
他住在一个很远的地方。 (Tā zhù zài yí gè hěn yuǎn de dìfang.) - He lives in a very distant place.
The character "亲" (qīn) means 'close' or 'intimate,' and it is often used in terms related to family or kinship.
他们是亲兄弟。 (Tāmen shì qīn xiōngdì.) - They are close brothers.
When "远" and "亲" are combined as "远亲," it specifically refers to a relative who is not closely related by blood or marriage, often someone you don't see frequently.
我们有很多远亲住在别的城市。 (Wǒmen yǒu hěn duō yuǎnqīn zhù zài bié de chéngshì.) - We have many distant relatives living in other cities.
This term is commonly used to distinguish from "近亲" (jìnqīn), which means 'close relative.'
我的近亲都住得很近，远亲则不然。 (Wǒ de jìnqīn dōu zhù dé hěn jìn, yuǎnqīn zé bùrán.) - My close relatives all live very close, distant relatives do not.
Like many Chinese nouns, "远亲" can be used directly after a number to indicate quantity, or with classifiers, although it's often used generically without a specific classifier.
他有一个远亲来访。 (Tā yǒu yí gè yuǎnqīn láifǎng.) - He has a distant relative visiting.
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
他有很多远亲住在国外。
He has many distant relatives living abroad.
我们家和他们家是远亲。
Our family and their family are distant relatives.
虽然是远亲，但我们关系很好。
Although we are distant relatives, we have a good relationship.
过年的时候，他会去拜访远亲。
During Chinese New Year, he will visit distant relatives.
你和那家人是远亲吗？
Are you distant relatives with that family?
我听说他们是你的远亲。
I heard they are your distant relatives.
他遇到了一个很久没见的远亲。
He met a distant relative he hadn't seen for a long time.
我们之间是远亲关系。
We have a distant relative relationship.
远亲不如近邻，这句话很有道理。
The saying 'distant relatives are not as good as close neighbors' makes a lot of sense.
她只有几个远亲在这里。
She only has a few distant relatives here.
문법 패턴
문장 패턴
是远亲 (shì yuǎn qīn)
他是我远亲。(Tā shì wǒ yuǎn qīn.) - He is my distant relative.
有远亲 (yǒu yuǎn qīn)
她有很多远亲。(Tā yǒu hěn duō yuǎn qīn.) - She has many distant relatives.
和远亲… (hé yuǎn qīn…)
我跟远亲聊天。(Wǒ gēn yuǎn qīn liáo tiān.) - I chat with distant relatives.
远亲住在… (yuǎn qīn zhù zài…)
我的远亲住在美国。(Wǒ de yuǎn qīn zhù zài Měiguó.) - My distant relatives live in America.
是远亲关系 (shì yuǎn qīn guānxi)
我们是远亲关系。(Wǒmen shì yuǎn qīn guānxi.) - We are distant relatives.
팁
Literal Meaning Breakdown
The word 远亲 (yuǎnqīn) literally breaks down into 远 (yuǎn) meaning far or distant, and 亲 (qīn) meaning relative or dear. This helps in understanding its core meaning.
Formal vs. Informal
远亲 (yuǎnqīn) is a formal and commonly used term. It's not slang or overly casual, so you can use it in various contexts without sounding out of place.
Opposite Concept
The opposite of 远亲 (yuǎnqīn) would be 近亲 (jìnqīn), which means close relative. This pairing can help you remember both terms.
Sentence Structure Example
我有很多远亲。 (Wǒ yǒu hěn duō yuǎnqīn.) - I have many distant relatives. Notice how it functions as a noun in the sentence.
Family Importance in China
In Chinese culture, family ties are often very strong, even with 远亲 (yuǎnqīn). While not as close as immediate family, there's still a sense of connection.
Using 'Some' or 'A Few'
他有一些远亲住在国外。 (Tā yǒu yīxiē yuǎnqīn zhù zài guówài.) - He has some distant relatives living abroad. '一些' (yīxiē) means some or a few.
Plurality in Chinese
Unlike English, Chinese nouns like 远亲 (yuǎnqīn) don't change form for plural. You'd use context or numbers to indicate multiple 'distant relatives'.
Proverbial Usage
There's a saying: 远亲不如近邻 (Yuǎnqīn bùrú jìnlín), meaning 'Distant relatives are not as good as close neighbors.' This highlights the practical importance of those nearby.
Practicing Pronunciation
Pay attention to the tones: 远 (yuǎn) is a third tone, and 亲 (qīn) is a first tone. Practice saying it slowly to get the tones right.
Contextual Clues
If someone is talking about family members they don't see often or who live far away, 远亲 (yuǎnqīn) is a good word to expect or use.
어원
Composed of '远' (yuǎn) meaning 'far' or 'distant,' and '亲' (qīn) meaning 'relatives' or 'kin.'
원래 의미: The original meaning directly translates to 'distant kin' or 'far-off relatives,' and it has retained this meaning.
Sino-Tibetan, Sinitic, Chinese문화적 맥락
In Chinese culture, the concept of '远亲' (yuǎnqīn) often implies a less intimate relationship compared to immediate family. While still part of the extended family, distant relatives might not be as involved in daily life or family matters. There's a common saying, '远亲不如近邻' (yuǎnqīn bùrú jìnlín), which means 'distant relatives are not as good as close neighbors,' emphasizing the practical support and help that nearby people can offer over those who are far away.
셀프 테스트 30 질문
她有很多___。
The sentence means 'She has many distant relatives.' '远亲' (distant relative) fits the context best.
我们是___，不常见面。
The sentence means 'We are distant relatives, we don't meet often.' '远亲' (distant relative) explains why they don't meet often.
他的___住在很远的地方。
The sentence means 'His distant relatives live far away.' '远亲' (distant relative) fits the context of living far away.
我不认识我的___。
The sentence means 'I don't know my distant relatives.' '远亲' (distant relative) is a type of person one might not know.
春节时，他们会去看望___。
The sentence means 'During Spring Festival, they will visit their distant relatives.' Visiting relatives is a common activity during Spring Festival.
虽然是___，但我们关系很好。
The sentence means 'Although we are distant relatives, our relationship is very good.' '远亲' (distant relative) contrasts with a good relationship.
Write a short sentence saying you have many distant relatives.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我有很多远亲。
Write a sentence saying that distant relatives live far away.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
远亲住得很远。
Complete the sentence: 我的远亲在... (My distant relatives are at...)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我的远亲在中国。
我的远亲住在哪里？ (Where do my distant relatives live?)
Read this passage:
我有几个远亲。他们住在北京。我们不常见面。
我的远亲住在哪里？ (Where do my distant relatives live?)
文章中提到 '他们住在北京' (They live in Beijing)。
文章中提到 '他们住在北京' (They live in Beijing)。
他喜欢他的远亲吗？ (Does he like his distant relatives?)
Read this passage:
他有很多远亲。他们每年过年都来我家。我很喜欢我的远亲。
他喜欢他的远亲吗？ (Does he like his distant relatives?)
文章中提到 '我很喜欢我的远亲' (I like my distant relatives very much)。
文章中提到 '我很喜欢我的远亲' (I like my distant relatives very much)。
我和我的远亲经常见面吗？ (Do I often meet my distant relatives?)
Read this passage:
我和我的远亲很少见面。因为他们住得很远。我只有一个远亲。
我和我的远亲经常见面吗？ (Do I often meet my distant relatives?)
文章中提到 '我和我的远亲很少见面' (I seldom meet my distant relatives)。
文章中提到 '我和我的远亲很少见面' (I seldom meet my distant relatives)。
Write a short sentence describing someone you consider a 'distant relative'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我的表哥住在很远的地方，所以他是我的远亲。
Use '远亲' in a sentence to explain that even if family lives far away, they are still family.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
虽然他们是我的远亲，但我们还是家人。
Imagine you're introducing a distant relative to a friend. Write a sentence saying, 'This is my distant relative.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
你好，这是我的远亲。
根据短文，什么是小王的远亲？
Read this passage:
小王有很多亲戚。有些亲戚住得很近，他们常常一起吃饭。还有一些亲戚住得很远，小王很少见到他们。这些住在远处的亲戚就是小王的远亲。
根据短文，什么是小王的远亲？
短文里提到“还有一些亲戚住得很远，小王很少见到他们。这些住在远处的亲戚就是小王的远亲。”
短文里提到“还有一些亲戚住得很远，小王很少见到他们。这些住在远处的亲戚就是小王的远亲。”
根据短文，中国人会在什么时候和远亲团聚？
Read this passage:
中国人很重视家庭。无论是近亲还是远亲，大家都会在春节的时候聚在一起。即使平时不常见面，春节也是一个团聚的好机会。
根据短文，中国人会在什么时候和远亲团聚？
短文里说“无论是近亲还是远亲，大家都会在春节的时候聚在一起。”
短文里说“无论是近亲还是远亲，大家都会在春节的时候聚在一起。”
作者为什么有很多远亲？
Read this passage:
我的爷爷有四个兄弟姐妹，他们都住在不同的城市。所以，我有很多堂兄弟姐妹，他们都是我的远亲。我们每年只在过年的时候才能见到。
作者为什么有很多远亲？
短文里提到“我的爷爷有四个兄弟姐妹，他们都住在不同的城市。所以，我有很多堂兄弟姐妹，他们都是我的远亲。”
短文里提到“我的爷爷有四个兄弟姐妹，他们都住在不同的城市。所以，我有很多堂兄弟姐妹，他们都是我的远亲。”
Choose the sentence where "远亲" is used correctly.
"远亲" refers to a distant family member. Option A correctly uses it in this context.
Which of the following best describes the relationship of a "远亲"?
The definition of "远亲" is a distant relative. This means they are part of the family but not immediate, or they live far away.
Fill in the blank: 尽管我们是___，但他每逢过节都会来看望我。(Although we are ___, he comes to visit me every holiday.)
The sentence implies a family connection despite distance or less frequent contact, which is the meaning of "远亲".
If someone is your "远亲", it means they are your immediate family member like a brother or sister.
"远亲" refers to a distant relative, not an immediate family member.
It's common for "远亲" to live in different cities or even countries.
The '远' in "远亲" means 'distant' or 'far', implying they often live far away.
You would typically see your "远亲" every day.
Distant relatives are not typically seen daily; the nature of the relationship implies less frequent contact than with immediate family.
Choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: 他虽然是我的___，但我们并不常见面。
The sentence implies a relationship where they don't meet often, which aligns with the meaning of '远亲' (distant relative).
Which of the following phrases best describes someone who is a '远亲'?
'远亲' refers to relatives with a distant blood relationship, meaning they are not immediate family.
在中文语境中，通常用哪个词来描述那些不常联系的亲戚？
'远亲' specifically refers to relatives who are not close and with whom one doesn't have frequent contact.
“远亲不如近邻” 这句谚语的意思是远方的亲戚比邻居更重要。
The proverb “远亲不如近邻” (A distant relative is not as helpful as a close neighbor) means that neighbors who are nearby are often more helpful than distant relatives.
如果一个人说：“他是我一个远亲。” 这通常意味着他们经常见面，关系亲密。
If someone says 'he is a distant relative of mine,' it typically implies that they do not meet often and their relationship is not particularly close.
在中国的传统文化中，'远亲' 通常指的是有血缘关系但不住在一起的亲戚。
In traditional Chinese culture, '远亲' generally refers to relatives by blood who do not live together and often have less frequent contact compared to immediate family.
/ 30 correct
Perfect score!
Literal Meaning Breakdown
The word 远亲 (yuǎnqīn) literally breaks down into 远 (yuǎn) meaning far or distant, and 亲 (qīn) meaning relative or dear. This helps in understanding its core meaning.
Formal vs. Informal
远亲 (yuǎnqīn) is a formal and commonly used term. It's not slang or overly casual, so you can use it in various contexts without sounding out of place.
Opposite Concept
The opposite of 远亲 (yuǎnqīn) would be 近亲 (jìnqīn), which means close relative. This pairing can help you remember both terms.
Sentence Structure Example
我有很多远亲。 (Wǒ yǒu hěn duō yuǎnqīn.) - I have many distant relatives. Notice how it functions as a noun in the sentence.
예시
他有很多远亲住在国外。
