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A2 noun #7,000 most common 7 min read

血亲

xuèqīn Top 7,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 血亲 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 血亲 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just learning the basics of family. You know words like '爸爸' (Papa), '妈妈' (Mama), and '哥哥' (Older Brother). The word '血亲' (xuèqīn) is a bit more advanced, but the idea is simple: it means people who are related to you by 'blood'. Think of it as 'real family members' who share your DNA. At this stage, you don't need to use this word often, but you might see the character '血' (blood) and '亲' (relative/close). If you want to say someone is your blood relative, you can just think of them as your biological family. In A1, we focus on the most direct people: your parents and your siblings. They are your closest '血亲'. You can remember that '血' looks like a drop of blood in a container, and '亲' is the same '亲' in '亲戚' (relative). Even though '血亲' is a big word, it just helps you talk about the people you are born related to.

At the A2 level, you can start to distinguish between different types of relatives. You already know '亲戚' (qīnqi) means relatives. '血亲' (xuèqīn) is a more specific word for 'blood relatives'. You use this when you want to be very clear that someone is related to you by birth, not just by marriage. For example, your uncle is your '血亲' if he is your father's brother, but your aunt (his wife) is not your '血亲'—she is related by marriage. In A2, you might use this word in a simple sentence like '他是我的血亲' (He is my blood relative) to explain a family connection. It's a useful word when you are talking about family trees or explaining why someone looks like you. You should also recognize that '血' means blood, which is the key to this word's meaning. It's a step up from just saying 'family' and shows you understand the biological side of relationships.

By the B1 level, you are moving into more formal contexts. You can use '血亲' (xuèqīn) in discussions about health, law, or social history. For instance, if you are talking about a hospital visit, you might say '医生问我有没有血亲患过这种病' (The doctor asked if I have any blood relatives who had this disease). This is more precise than saying 'family'. You will also start to see the terms '直系血亲' (direct blood relatives) and '旁系血亲' (collateral blood relatives) in news articles or more complex reading materials. B1 learners should understand that '血亲' carries a more formal tone than '家人' or '亲戚'. It is often used to emphasize the importance of biological bonds in Chinese society. You might also encounter it in stories where characters discover they are related after a long time. It’s a powerful word that implies a connection that cannot be changed by choice or law.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using '血亲' (xuèqīn) in professional and academic settings. You understand its legal implications in the Chinese Civil Code, specifically regarding inheritance and marriage restrictions. For example, you can discuss why '近亲结婚' (marriage between close relatives) is legally prohibited by referring to '三代以内的旁系血亲' (collateral blood relatives within three generations). You can also use the word metaphorically or in high-level debates about 'nature vs. nurture'. In a B2 essay about family values, you might contrast '血亲' (biological ties) with '社会关系' (social relationships). You are expected to know that '血亲' is a precise term that excludes '姻亲' (in-laws) and '拟制血亲' (legal blood relatives, such as adopted children who have the same status as biological children). This level of precision is key to sounding like a sophisticated speaker of Chinese.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the cultural and historical weight behind the term '血亲' (xuèqīn). You can analyze how the concept of blood lineage shaped the 'Zhongfa' system of ancient China and how these traditional views still influence modern social behavior and legal structures. You can use '血亲' in complex legal arguments, medical ethics discussions, or literary analysis. You understand the nuances between '血亲', '宗亲', and '族人'. You might participate in a seminar discussing the evolution of the Chinese family and use '血亲' to describe the shift from extended clan structures to nuclear families. You are also aware of the term '拟制血亲' (fictitious or legal blood kinship) and how it applies to adoption laws. Your vocabulary includes related idioms and formal expressions, and you can switch between formal '血亲' and casual '亲戚' with ease, depending on the audience and purpose of your communication.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like command of '血亲' (xuèqīn) and its place in the vast landscape of Chinese linguistics and sociology. You can read and interpret classical legal texts or modern high-court rulings where the definition of '血亲' is central to the case. You can discuss the philosophical implications of 'blood' as a binding force in Chinese identity versus Western concepts of kinship. You are capable of writing scholarly articles or giving keynote speeches that touch upon the genetic, legal, and emotional facets of '血亲' relationships. You understand the most obscure uses of the term, including its application in historical imperial successions or complex genealogical disputes. For a C2 learner, '血亲' is not just a word for a relative; it is a key that unlocks a deep understanding of the biological and social architecture of Chinese civilization over thousands of years.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

血亲 in 30 Seconds

Formal term for biological blood relatives.
Used in legal, medical, and formal genealogical contexts.
Excludes relatives by marriage (in-laws).
Categorized into direct (parents/children) and collateral (siblings/cousins).

The term 血亲 (xuèqīn) is a formal and precise Chinese noun that refers to a 'blood relative'—someone related to you by biological descent rather than by marriage or adoption. While the common word for relative is 亲戚 (qīnqi), 血亲 specifically emphasizes the biological link, the 'blood' (血) that flows through the veins of the family (亲). This distinction is vital in Chinese culture, law, and medicine. In a society that has historically valued lineage and ancestry above almost all else, knowing who your 血亲 are isn't just a matter of family trees; it’s a matter of identity, legal rights, and social obligations. You will encounter this word most frequently in legal documents, medical discussions regarding genetics or organ donation, and formal genealogical records. It encompasses both your direct ancestors and descendants (直系血亲) like parents and children, as well as collateral relatives (旁系血亲) like siblings, aunts, and cousins.

Biological Connection: Refers to individuals sharing common DNA and ancestry through birth.
Legal Context: Used in inheritance law to define the hierarchy of heirs based on biological proximity.

法律上，直系血亲具有法定的赡养义务。 (In law, direct blood relatives have a statutory obligation to provide support.)

Historically, the concept of 血亲 was the foundation of the 'Zhongfa' (宗法) system in ancient China, which dictated everything from political power to the distribution of land. Even today, the distinction remains sharp. If you are filling out a medical form about hereditary diseases, the doctor wants to know about your 血亲. If a lawyer is discussing a will, they are focused on 血亲. In everyday conversation, you might use it to emphasize a deep, unbreakable bond: 'We are blood relatives, we must help each other.' It carries a weight of permanence that 'friends' or even 'in-laws' might not always possess in the traditional Chinese worldview.

这种手术通常需要近房血亲作为供体。 (This type of surgery usually requires close blood relatives as donors.)

Using 血亲 correctly requires understanding its formal register. It is not typically used when shouting to your brother across the room; instead, it is used when describing the *nature* of the relationship. Because it is a noun, it often functions as the subject or object of a sentence, or as a modifier for other nouns. One of the most common ways to use it is in the phrases 直系血亲 (zhíxì xuèqīn)—direct blood relatives like parents and children—and 旁系血亲 (pángxì xuèqīn)—collateral blood relatives like cousins and uncles. These terms are essential for any discussion involving the Chinese Civil Code or medical history.

As a Subject: 血亲之间有着不可磨灭的联系。(There is an indelible bond between blood relatives.)
As a Modifier: 我们要调查他的血亲关系。(We need to investigate his blood relationships.)

虽然他们从未见过面，但他们确实是血亲。 (Although they have never met, they are indeed blood relatives.)

In more abstract or literary contexts, 血亲 is used to discuss themes of destiny and biological determinism. For instance, a novel might describe a character's struggle to escape the 'curse' of his 血亲. In these cases, the word adds a layer of gravity that the more casual 家人 (jiārén - family members) would lack. Note that 血亲 is rarely used in the plural with a measure word like '个'; instead, it is treated as a collective category or a specific status. You would say '他们是血亲' (They are blood relatives) rather than '他有三个血亲'. If you want to count them, you would say '他有三个有血缘关系的亲戚' (He has three relatives with blood relations).

在某些文化中，血亲的利益高于一切。 (In some cultures, the interests of blood relatives come above all else.)

While 血亲 might not be the word you use to invite your cousin to dinner, you will hear it in specific, high-stakes environments. The first is the courtroom. Chinese law regarding marriage and inheritance is very specific about the 'degree of kinship' (亲等). For example, the law prohibits marriage between direct blood relatives and collateral blood relatives within three generations. In this context, '血亲' is the operative word. If you are watching a legal drama or news report about a disputed inheritance, you will hear the lawyers arguing over who qualifies as a 血亲 and who is merely an 'in-law' (姻亲 yīnqīn).

Medical Setting: Doctors ask about '血亲' history to trace genetic predispositions to diseases like diabetes or cancer.
News & Media: Reports on missing persons often mention searching for '血亲' for DNA matching.

医生询问他是否有患有同种疾病的血亲。 (The doctor asked if he had any blood relatives with the same disease.)

Another common place to hear this is in documentaries or historical discussions. When discussing the 'Red Mansions' or ancient dynasties, historians talk about the 'blood ties' that held the empire together. Even in modern literature, authors use 血亲 to evoke a sense of primal, inescapable connection. In science, particularly in genetics and biology, the term is used to describe the evolutionary proximity between individuals or even species, though in the latter case, more technical terms are often used. Finally, in the world of social work and child welfare, '血亲寻找' (searching for blood relatives) is a standard term used when trying to find biological families for children in care.

通过DNA检测，他终于找到了失散多年的血亲。 (Through DNA testing, he finally found his long-lost blood relatives.)

The most frequent mistake learners make with 血亲 is using it as a direct synonym for 'family' in casual settings. While it is technically correct, it sounds jarringly clinical or overly dramatic. Imagine walking into a party and saying, 'I am here with my blood relatives.' It sounds like you are a character in a gothic novel or a geneticist. Instead, use 家人 (jiārén) for 'family' or 亲戚 (qīnqi) for 'relatives' in daily life. Reserve 血亲 for when the biological nature of the relationship is the point of the conversation.

Mistake 1: Overuse in Casual Speech: Saying '我的血亲来了' instead of '我的亲戚来了' when your uncle visits.
Mistake 2: Including In-Laws: Assuming your wife or husband is a '血亲'. They are '姻亲' (relatives by marriage).

错误：我的妻子是我的血亲。 (Incorrect: My wife is my blood relative.)

Another mistake is confusing 血亲 with 血缘 (xuèyuán). While they are related, 血缘 is the abstract noun for 'bloodline' or 'consanguinity,' whereas 血亲 refers to the person themselves. You *have* a 血缘关系 (blood relationship) with your 血亲. You cannot say 'He is my bloodline' in the same way you say 'He is my blood relative.' Additionally, be careful with the distinction between 'direct' and 'collateral.' In legal contexts, swapping these can lead to significant misunderstandings regarding inheritance or marriage eligibility.

法律禁止近血亲结婚。 (The law prohibits marriage between close blood relatives.)

To truly master the vocabulary of Chinese kinship, you must understand how 血亲 compares to its neighbors. The most common alternative is 亲戚 (qīnqi), which is the umbrella term for all relatives, including those by marriage. If you want to be more specific about the biological link but keep it slightly less formal than 血亲, you might use the phrase 血缘亲属 (xuèyuán qīnshǔ). In very formal or ancient contexts, 宗亲 (zōngqīn) refers to relatives sharing the same paternal ancestor, focusing on the male lineage.

血亲 vs. 姻亲 (yīnqīn): Blood relatives vs. In-laws. This is the most important legal distinction.
血亲 vs. 亲属 (qīnshǔ): Biological relative vs. General kinsman (which includes adopted members).

在遗产分配中，血亲通常优先于姻亲。 (In inheritance distribution, blood relatives usually take precedence over in-laws.)

There is also the term 嫡亲 (díqīn), which refers to the closest blood relatives, often specifically those from the 'primary' line of a family in traditional polygamous structures, though today it just means 'immediate blood relatives.' If you are talking about someone who feels like a brother but isn't, you might say 非血亲 (fēi xuèqīn) or use the idiom 情同手足 (qíng tóng shǒu zú)—affection like hands and feet. Understanding these nuances allows you to navigate Chinese social structures with precision, knowing when to emphasize biological fact and when to emphasize emotional bond.

虽然他们没有血亲关系，但感情比亲兄弟还深。 (Although they have no blood relation, their feelings are deeper than those of biological brothers.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient China, 'blood' was often used in oaths and sacrifices to solidify bonds that were considered as strong as family ties.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʃwɛ tʃɪn/

US /ʃwɛ tʃɪn/

The first syllable 'xuè' is stressed with a falling tone.

Rhymes With

亲 (qīn) 新 (xīn) 心 (xīn) 金 (jīn) 林 (lín) 民 (mín) 琴 (qín) 信 (xìn - near rhyme)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'xuè' as 'xuě' (third tone).
Confusing 'qīn' with 'qǐng'.
Missing the 'u' sound in 'xuè'.
Pronouncing 'x' as a hard 'ks' sound.
Failing to distinguish the high flat tone of 'qīn'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The characters are common, but the context is often formal.

Writing 4/5

Writing '血' and '亲' correctly requires practice with stroke order.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to say once the tones are mastered.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with other 'qīn' words in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

血亲戚家人爸爸妈妈

Learn Next

姻亲继承法律遗传基因

Advanced

宗法嫡庶五服伦理

Grammar to Know

Using '之间' for relationships

血亲之间存在特殊的法律关系。

Measure words for people

一位血亲 (formal), 一个血亲 (informal).

Possessive '的'

我的血亲 (My blood relative).

Conjunction '和' for equal subjects

我和他是血亲。

Formal negator '非'

非血亲关系 (Non-blood relationship).

Examples by Level

他是我的血亲。

He is my blood relative.

Simple subject-verb-object structure.

我和他是血亲。

He and I are blood relatives.

Using '和' to connect two subjects.

你有血亲吗？

Do you have blood relatives?

Basic question form with '吗'.

我的血亲在北京。

My blood relatives are in Beijing.

Location sentence with '在'.

谁是你的血亲？

Who is your blood relative?

Question word '谁'.

这是我的血亲，我的哥哥。

This is my blood relative, my older brother.

Appositive structure.

血亲很重要。

Blood relatives are very important.

Adjective predicate sentence.

我们是血亲，我们是一家人。

We are blood relatives, we are one family.

Parallel sentences.

在法律上，他是我的血亲。

Legally, he is my blood relative.

Adding a prepositional phrase '在法律上'.

只有血亲才能参加这个聚会。

Only blood relatives can attend this gathering.

Using '只有...才...' structure.

他是我唯一的血亲了。

He is my only blood relative left.

Using '唯一' as a modifier.

血亲之间应该互相帮助。

Blood relatives should help each other.

Using '之间' to indicate a relationship.

我需要找我的血亲。

I need to find my blood relatives.

Verb '找' (to look for).

虽然我们不常见面，但我们是血亲。

Although we don't meet often, we are blood relatives.

Conjunction '虽然...但...'.

医生想见你的血亲。

The doctor wants to see your blood relatives.

Verb '想' (want to).

血亲的关系是无法改变的。

The relationship of blood relatives cannot be changed.

Using '无法' (unable to).

直系血亲包括父母和子女。

Direct blood relatives include parents and children.

Specific term '直系血亲'.

他正在寻找失散多年的血亲。

He is looking for blood relatives lost for many years.

Present continuous with '正在'.

这种遗传病只在血亲中传播。

This genetic disease is only transmitted among blood relatives.

Subject '这种遗传病'.

他在遗嘱中提到了所有的血亲。

He mentioned all blood relatives in his will.

Preposition '在...中'.

血亲的认同感通常比姻亲强。

The sense of identity among blood relatives is usually stronger than in-laws.

Comparison using '比'.

没有血亲的同意，手术不能进行。

Without the consent of blood relatives, the surgery cannot proceed.

Condition '没有...不能...'.

他发现自己和那个陌生人是血亲。

He discovered that he and that stranger are blood relatives.

Verb '发现' (to discover).

旁系血亲的范围在法律上有明确规定。

The scope of collateral blood relatives is clearly defined by law.

Specific term '旁系血亲'.

根据民法典，禁止三代以内的旁系血亲结婚。

According to the Civil Code, marriage between collateral blood relatives within three generations is prohibited.

Formal phrase '根据...'.

血亲关系是建立在生物学基础之上的。

Blood relationship is built upon a biological foundation.

Passive-like structure '建立在...之上'.

他试图通过血亲关系来获得继承权。

He tried to obtain inheritance rights through blood relationship.

Verb '获得' (to obtain).

在灾难面前，血亲的纽带显得尤为珍贵。

In the face of disaster, the bond of blood relatives appears particularly precious.

Adverb '尤为' (especially).

拟制血亲在法律地位上等同于自然血亲。

Legal blood relatives are equivalent to natural blood relatives in legal status.

Comparison '等同于'.

我们要区分血亲和姻亲的不同权利。

We must distinguish between the different rights of blood relatives and in-laws.

Verb '区分' (to distinguish).

他拒绝承认那是他的血亲。

He refused to acknowledge that person as his blood relative.

Verb '拒绝' (to refuse).

血亲的背叛往往比陌生人的伤害更深。

Betrayal by a blood relative often hurts deeper than injury from a stranger.

Abstract subject '血亲的背叛'.

宗法制度的核心在于维护血亲继承的纯洁性。

The core of the patriarchal system lies in maintaining the purity of blood inheritance.

Academic structure '...的核心在于...'.

这种血亲复仇的传统在现代社会已不复存在。

This tradition of blood feuds among relatives no longer exists in modern society.

Phrase '不复存在' (no longer exists).

他深陷于血亲伦理与个人道德的冲突之中。

He is deep in the conflict between blood ethics and personal morality.

Verb '深陷于' (deeply mired in).

血亲的界定在跨国收养案例中变得复杂。

The definition of blood relatives becomes complex in international adoption cases.

Noun '界定' (definition/delimitation).

法律通过拟制血亲的概念，保障了养子女的权益。

The law protects the rights and interests of adopted children through the concept of legal blood kinship.

Instrumental '通过...' (through).

他在文章中探讨了血亲纽带对身份认同的影响。

In his article, he explored the influence of blood ties on identity.

Verb '探讨' (to explore/discuss).

血亲关系的断绝在法律上有着严格的程序。

The severance of blood relationships has strict legal procedures.

Noun '断绝' (severance).

尽管没有血亲之实，他们却有着血亲之情。

Despite the lack of a biological blood bond, they share the affection of blood relatives.

Contrast '...之实' vs '...之情'.

血亲制度作为社会结构的基石，在人类学研究中占有重要地位。

As the cornerstone of social structure, the kinship system holds an important position in anthropological research.

Formal '作为...占有...地位'.

该判决深刻触及了血亲权与契约权之间的法理博弈。

The judgment profoundly touched upon the jurisprudential game between blood rights and contractual rights.

Advanced vocabulary '博弈' (game/contest).

在儒家思想中，血亲之爱被视为仁之端也。

In Confucian thought, the love between blood relatives is regarded as the beginning of benevolence.

Classical phrasing '...被视为...之端也'.

生物技术的进步正在重塑我们对‘血亲’这一传统概念的认知。

Advances in biotechnology are reshaping our perception of the traditional concept of 'blood relative'.

Progressive '正在重塑'.

血亲关系的法律拟制体现了法律对实质正义的追求。

The legal fiction of blood kinship reflects the law's pursuit of substantive justice.

Abstract noun phrase '法律拟制'.

他通过详尽的考证，厘清了该家族复杂的血亲脉络。

Through exhaustive research, he clarified the family's complex bloodlines.

Verb '厘清' (to clarify/sort out).

血亲伦理的现代转型是社会学界关注的焦点。

The modern transformation of blood ethics is a focus of attention in the sociological community.

Noun '转型' (transformation).

血亲之羁绊，既是情感的港湾，亦可能成为自由的枷锁。

The bond of blood relatives is both a harbor for emotions and potentially a shackle to freedom.

Literary '既是...亦可能...'.

Common Collocations

直系血亲

旁系血亲

近亲血亲

寻找血亲

血亲关系

血亲继承

认定血亲

血亲纽带

血亲复仇

拟制血亲

Common Phrases

血浓于水

— Blood is thicker than water. Family bonds are stronger than any others.

毕竟血浓于水，他还是原谅了他的弟弟。

亲如一家

— Close as one family. Often used for non-blood relatives.

邻里之间相处得亲如一家。

断绝关系

— To sever ties. Often used with blood relatives.

他宣布与家族断绝血亲关系。

三代以内

— Within three generations. A key legal limit for blood relatives.

三代以内的旁系血亲禁止结婚。

骨肉至亲

— Flesh and blood; extremely close relatives.

他们是骨肉至亲，怎么会互相伤害？

血脉相连

— Connected by bloodline.

我们是血脉相连的一家人。

认祖归宗

— To identify with one's ancestors and return to the clan.

他回乡认祖归宗，见到了许多血亲。

家谱记载

— Recorded in the family tree.

家谱上记载了他的所有血亲。

法定继承人

— Legal heir. Usually the closest blood relatives.

作为唯一的血亲，他是法定继承人。

血缘鉴定

— Paternity/Blood relation test.

他们进行了血缘鉴定以确认血亲身份。

Often Confused With

血亲 vs 姻亲

Relatives by marriage. '血亲' is by birth.

血亲 vs 亲戚

General relatives. '血亲' is a specific biological subset.

血亲 vs 血缘

The abstract concept of bloodline. '血亲' is the person.

Idioms & Expressions

"血浓于水"

— Biological family ties are the strongest and most reliable.

无论发生什么，血浓于水，家人总会支持你。

Common

"骨肉相残"

— Internal strife among close relatives (lit. flesh and bone killing each other).

为了争夺遗产，他们兄弟俩竟然骨肉相残。

Literary

"手足情深"

— Deep brotherly affection (lit. hands and feet).

他们兄弟二人手足情深，令人羡慕。

Formal

"天伦之乐"

— The happiness of family life among blood relatives.

老人晚年最享受的就是天伦之乐。

Formal

"六亲不认"

— To disown all relatives; to be cold and heartless.

他为了钱财，变得六亲不认。

Informal

"脉脉相通"

— Connected by a common thread or bloodline (abstract).

这种文化精神在我们的血亲中脉脉相通。

Literary

"九族之内"

— Within the nine degrees of kinship (ancient legal term).

在古代，重罪会惩罚到九族之内。

Historical

"传宗接代"

— To carry on the family line (through blood descendants).

传统观念认为传宗接代是血亲的使命。

Traditional

"舐犊情深"

— The deep love of parents for their children (lit. a cow licking its calf).

这种舐犊情深是血亲间最自然的感情。

Literary

"寸草春晖"

— The inability of children to repay the vast love of their parents.

面对父母的恩情，子女总有寸草春晖之感。

Literary

Easily Confused

血亲 vs 血缘

Both contain '血' and relate to family.

'血缘' is the connection (abstract), while '血亲' is the person (concrete).

他们有血缘关系 (They have a blood connection). 他是我的血亲 (He is my blood relative).

血亲 vs 亲属

Both mean relative.

'亲属' is a broad legal term including blood, marriage, and adoption. '血亲' is only blood.

法院通知了他的亲属。

血亲 vs 家属

Both refer to family.

'家属' usually refers to immediate family members living together or dependents.

病人家属请进。

血亲 vs 宗亲

Both refer to blood relatives.

'宗亲' is specifically paternal lineage. '血亲' includes both maternal and paternal.

宗亲大会在祠堂举行。

血亲 vs 同胞

Both refer to blood connection.

'同胞' usually means siblings or fellow countrymen. '血亲' includes cousins, parents, etc.

同胞兄弟。

Sentence Patterns

S + 是 + 血亲

他们是血亲。

S + 和 + S + 是 + 血亲

我和他是血亲。

在...中，血亲...

在法律中，血亲有继承权。

虽然...但是...血亲

虽然他们分开了，但他们还是血亲。

基于...的血亲关系

基于生物学的血亲关系是非常稳固的。

血亲之...亦...

血亲之羁绊，既是温暖亦是压力。

寻找 + 血亲

他一直在寻找失散的血亲。

区分 + 血亲 + 与 + 姻亲

我们需要区分血亲与姻亲。

Word Family

Nouns

血缘 (bloodline)

亲人 (relatives)

亲属 (kinsman)

血统 (lineage)

Verbs

认亲 (to recognize a relative)

相亲 (blind date - unrelated but same '亲')

成亲 (to get married)

Adjectives

亲近 (close)

亲密的 (intimate)

血腥的 (bloody - unrelated context)

家族

基因

遗传

谱系

宗法

How to Use It

frequency

Common in legal, medical, and formal writing; rare in casual daily conversation.

Common Mistakes

Calling a spouse a '血亲'. → Spouse is '姻亲'.
Blood relatives must share biological ancestors.
Using '血亲' for 'blood type'. → Use '血型'.
'血亲' is a person, not a medical category.
Using '血亲' to mean 'close friend'. → Use '好朋友' or '哥们'.
'血亲' is strictly biological.
Confusing '血亲' with '亲人'. → Use '亲人' for general loved ones.
'血亲' is more clinical and specific.
Mispronouncing 'xuè' as 'xiě' in formal contexts. → Use 'xuè'.
'xuè' is the literary/formal reading.

Tips

Legal Precision

When translating legal documents, always use '血亲' for consanguinity to ensure accuracy.

Family Values

Understand that '血亲' carries a heavy moral weight in China due to Confucian traditions.

Measure Words

Use '位' (wèi) as a polite measure word for a blood relative in formal writing.

Tone Accuracy

Ensure 'xuè' is a sharp falling tone to avoid confusion with 'xuě' (snow).

Compound Terms

Learn '直系' and '旁系' together with '血亲' as they are almost always used together.

Stroke Order

Pay attention to the top of '亲'; it's not the same as '立' (stand).

Context Clues

If you hear 'DNA' or '遗传' (heredity), the word '血亲' is likely to follow.

Social Nuance

Calling someone a '血亲' in a speech can sound very moving and solemn.

Ancient Roots

Remember that '血' represents a sacrifice, showing the sacred nature of blood ties.

HSK Prep

This word often appears in HSK 5 or 6 level reading passages about law or culture.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of '血' as the red liquid in your veins and '亲' as the 'kin' in English. Blood + Kin = Blood Relative.

Visual Association

Imagine a drop of blood connecting two people on a family tree.

Word Web

Family DNA Law Inheritance Ancestors Parents Siblings Cousins

Challenge

Try to list five people who are your '血亲' and five who are your '姻亲'.

Word Origin

Composed of '血' (blood) and '亲' (relative). '血' depicts blood in a sacrificial vessel in ancient scripts. '亲' (shì/qīn) originally meant to see or visit frequently, evolving into 'close' and 'relative'.

Original meaning: A person related by the same bloodline.

Sino-Tibetan

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing adoption; '拟制血亲' is the legal term to respect the status of adopted children.

In English, 'blood relative' is often used to clarify biological vs. step-families.

The Classic of Filial Piety (孝经) The Dream of the Red Chamber (kinship disputes) Modern Chinese Civil Code (Section on Marriage and Family)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Law

法定血亲
血亲继承
禁止结婚
赡养义务

Medicine

家族病史
基因检测
器官捐献
血型匹配

History

宗族制度
血缘纽带
皇室血统
认祖归宗

Social Work

寻找亲人
收养关系
家庭背景
血缘鉴定

Literature

骨肉之情
家族恩怨
血脉相传
天伦之乐

Conversation Starters

"你在家谱中找到过远房血亲吗？"

"你认为血亲关系在现代社会还那么重要吗？"

"如果一个血亲向你借钱，你会怎么办？"

"法律应该如何定义‘拟制血亲’？"

"你觉得血缘关系和感情纽带哪个更重要？"

Journal Prompts

写一写你和一位血亲之间最难忘的故事。

探讨一下‘血浓于水’这句话在你的文化中是否适用。

如果你发现自己有一个从未谋面的血亲，你会去见他吗？

描述一下你家族中的直系血亲和旁系血亲。

法律对血亲结婚的限制是否有道理？请陈述你的观点。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, your wife is an '姻亲' (relative by marriage), not a '血亲', unless you are biologically related (which is usually illegal).

In a biological sense, no. However, in Chinese law, they are '拟制血亲' (legal blood relatives) and have the same rights as biological children.

'直系' (direct) are those in a direct line of descent (parents, grandparents, children). '旁系' (collateral) are those from a common ancestor but not in a direct line (siblings, cousins).

It sounds a bit formal. It's better to use '亲戚' or '家人' unless you want to emphasize the biological aspect.

Usually, yes. For animals, words like '血统' (lineage) or '近亲' (close relative) are more common.

It means relatives like siblings, uncles/aunts, and first cousins. Chinese law forbids marriage within this range.

Yes, especially in dramas involving inheritance, lost children, or family revenge.

You can say '没有血缘关系' or '非血亲'.

In formal compounds like '血亲', '血' is pronounced 'xuè'. In casual speech alone, it is often 'xiě'.

Yes, it is the standard term for asking about biological family history.