A distant relative is someone related by blood but not closely, often with infrequent contact.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Distant relatives, not immediate family.
- Used for people with less frequent contact.
- Broader category than 'close relatives'.
Overview
“远亲”是一个中文名词，用来指代与自己关系较为疏远的亲戚。这里的“远”体现在血缘关系的远近，即亲戚之间隔了不止一层关系。与“近亲”相对，“远亲”的范围很广，可以包括表亲、堂亲、姨表亲、姑表亲、舅表亲等，这些人可能在日常生活中并不常联系，甚至很少见面。
“远亲”通常用作名词，可以单独使用，也可以在句子中与其他词语搭配。例如，“我的远亲都在外地工作。” 或者 “过年的时候，我们会拜访一些远亲。” 在口语和书面语中都很常见。它强调的是亲戚关系的“远”，而非亲近程度。
这个词经常出现在家庭聚会、节日问候、寻亲访友等场景中。例如，在讨论家庭成员时，人们可能会提到“我有很多远亲”；在搬家或移民后，有人可能会说“我想联系一下我的远亲”。在一些需要追溯家族历史或处理遗产继承等正式场合，区分远近亲也可能很重要。
与“远亲”最直接对比的是“近亲”。近亲通常指与自己血缘关系非常近的亲属，如父母、兄弟姐妹、祖父母、子女等。而“远亲”则指隔了较多层关系，血缘相对疏远的亲戚。此外，“亲戚”是一个更广泛的词，可以包括近亲和远亲。例如，“我有很多亲戚”可以指近亲也指远亲，但“我有很多远亲”则明确指关系疏远的亲戚。
Examples
过年的时候，我们家会邀请一些远亲来家里吃饭。
everydayDuring the Spring Festival, our family invites some distant relatives over for a meal.
在族谱研究中，区分远近亲对于追溯家族历史至关重要。
academicIn genealogical research, distinguishing between close and distant relatives is crucial for tracing family history.
他有很多远亲都在国外，平时联系不多。
informalHe has many distant relatives living abroad, and they don't communicate much usually.
虽然是远亲，但逢年过节，我们还是会互相问候。
everydayAlthough they are distant relatives, we still greet each other during festivals.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
远亲不如近邻
A near neighbor is better than a distant relative.
走亲访友
visit relatives and friends
Often Confused With
'近亲' (jìnqīn) refers to close relatives like parents, siblings, and children. '远亲' (yuǎnqīn) refers to relatives who are further removed by blood, like cousins of cousins or second cousins.
'亲戚' (qīnqi) is a general term for relatives, encompassing both '近亲' and '远亲'. '远亲' specifically denotes the distant ones within the broader category of '亲戚'.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term '远亲' is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese. It generally carries a neutral to slightly informal tone, suitable for everyday conversations about family. Formality can increase when discussing specific legal or genealogical matters where precise relationship terms are needed.
Common Mistakes
Learners might mistakenly use '远亲' for any acquaintance they haven't seen in a while, forgetting that it specifically refers to blood relatives. Avoid using it for friends or colleagues unless they are also related by blood, however distantly.
Tips
Understand Blood Relation Distance
Think of '远' (yuan) as distance in terms of generations or connections. The further the connection, the more likely they are a '远亲'.
Not Just Any Acquaintance
While '远亲' implies less contact, they are still actual relatives by blood, not just people you know.
Importance of Family Ties
In Chinese culture, even distant family ties are often acknowledged, especially during major holidays like Spring Festival.
Word Origin
The word '远亲' is composed of '远' (yuǎn), meaning 'far' or 'distant', and '亲' (qīn), meaning 'relative' or 'close'. Together, they literally mean 'distant relative'.
Cultural Context
While modern life may lead to less frequent contact, Chinese culture traditionally values kinship ties. Even distant relatives are often remembered, especially during significant family events or holidays like the Spring Festival.
Memory Tip
Imagine a long road ('远' - yuan means far) leading to your relatives. The ones at the end of that long road, whom you don't see often, are your '远亲'.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“近亲”指的是血缘关系非常近的亲属，比如父母、兄弟姐妹、子女。而“远亲”则是指血缘关系较远，联系不那么频繁的亲戚。
“远亲”的范围很广，包括表亲、堂亲、姑妈的儿子、舅舅的女儿等等，只要是血缘关系相对疏远的亲戚都可以算作远亲。
“远亲”这个词可以用在口语和书面语中，尤其是在讨论家庭关系、节日聚会或需要区分亲疏远近时。
“亲戚”是一个总称，包括了近亲和远亲。而“远亲”特指那些关系疏远的亲戚。
Test Yourself
虽然我和他很久没见了，但他毕竟是我的______，过年时还是应该去拜访一下。
根据句意，说话人提到“毕竟是我的”，并且暗示了很久没见但仍有拜访的必要性，这符合“远亲”的定义。
下列哪项最可能被认为是“远亲”？
父母、兄弟姐妹和祖父母都属于近亲。表姑的丈夫虽然与自己有亲戚关系，但属于姻亲且关系相对疏远，可以被视为远亲。
请选择最通顺的句子。
这个句子结构完整，主语、谓语、宾语和地点状语都安排合理，符合中文表达习惯。
Score: /3
Summary
A distant relative is someone related by blood but not closely, often with infrequent contact.
- Distant relatives, not immediate family.
- Used for people with less frequent contact.
- Broader category than 'close relatives'.
Understand Blood Relation Distance
Think of '远' (yuan) as distance in terms of generations or connections. The further the connection, the more likely they are a '远亲'.
Not Just Any Acquaintance
While '远亲' implies less contact, they are still actual relatives by blood, not just people you know.
Importance of Family Ties
In Chinese culture, even distant family ties are often acknowledged, especially during major holidays like Spring Festival.
Examples
4 of 4过年的时候，我们家会邀请一些远亲来家里吃饭。
During the Spring Festival, our family invites some distant relatives over for a meal.
在族谱研究中，区分远近亲对于追溯家族历史至关重要。
In genealogical research, distinguishing between close and distant relatives is crucial for tracing family history.
他有很多远亲都在国外，平时联系不多。
He has many distant relatives living abroad, and they don't communicate much usually.
虽然是远亲，但逢年过节，我们还是会互相问候。
Although they are distant relatives, we still greet each other during festivals.
