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A2 noun 9 min read

家族

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 家族 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 家族 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you primarily learn the word '家' (jiā) for home and '家人' (jiārén) for family members. '家族' (jiāzú) is a bit more advanced because it refers to the 'clan' or 'extended family history'. You might see it in simple stories about kings or very large families. At this stage, just remember that '家' is the small family you live with, and '家族' is the big, historical family. It is a noun. You can think of it as 'The Big Family'. For example, if you see a movie about a royal family, they might use this word. It is not a word you need to use every day, but it is good to recognize it when you hear about history or famous people. Focus on the first character '家' which you already know, and notice the second character '族' which looks like a person with a flag. This 'flag' represents a group or a tribe. So, '家族' is a household with a flag—a clan!

At the A2 level, you should begin to distinguish between '家庭' (jiātíng) and '家族' (jiāzú). '家庭' is your household—mom, dad, and siblings. '家族' is your clan—grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and even ancestors from long ago. You will start to see this word in more formal texts or when talking about business. For example, a '家族企业' (jiāzú qǐyè) is a family business. This is a very common phrase in China because many famous companies are owned by one big family. You might also hear it in the context of '家族传统' (jiāzú chuántǒng), meaning traditions that have been in the clan for a long time. When you use this word, you are showing that you understand the importance of extended family in Chinese culture. Remember that '家族' is a noun and usually doesn't need a measure word other than '个' (gè) or '个' (gè) when referring to the whole group.

At the B1 level, you can use '家族' (jiāzú) to discuss social and historical topics. You should understand that this word carries a sense of 'legacy' and 'prestige'. It is often used in the context of '家族荣誉' (jiāzú róngyù - family honor) or '家族利益' (jiāzú lìyì - family interests). In many Chinese TV dramas, characters often have to choose between their own happiness and their '家族'. This word is also important for medical and legal contexts. For instance, '家族病史' (jiāzú bìngshǐ) means family medical history. You should be able to use it as a modifier for other nouns without using '的' in formal phrases. At this level, you are moving beyond just 'people' and starting to talk about 'institutions'. The '家族' is an institution in Chinese society. You should also be aware of the cultural weight: a '家族' has a history, a '家谱' (family tree), and often a '祠堂' (ancestral hall).

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using '家族' (jiāzú) in professional and academic discussions. You can analyze the role of '家族企业' in the global economy or discuss the '家族制度' (clan system) in sociology. You should understand the nuance between '家族' and '宗族' (zōngzú). While both mean clan, '宗族' is more specific to patrilineal lineages and traditional rituals. '家族' is broader and can be used in modern contexts like 'the Kennedy family' (肯尼迪家族). You should also be able to use the word in abstract ways, such as '语族' (language family) or '家族相似性' (family resemblance in philosophy), though the latter is more specialized. Your sentences should reflect an understanding of the collective responsibility inherent in the word. For example, '为了家族的延续' (for the continuation of the clan). You should also recognize it in literature where it represents a burden or a source of power.

At the C1 level, you should have a deep appreciation for the historical and sociological implications of '家族' (jiāzú). You can discuss the evolution of the Chinese clan system from the Zhou Dynasty to the present day. You should be able to use the word in complex literary analysis, such as discussing the '家族小说' (family saga novels) like 'Dream of the Red Chamber'. You understand the subtle connotations of status and '门第' (family standing) that are often associated with the word. You can use it to describe intricate social networks and the 'guanxi' (relationships) that stem from clan ties. Your vocabulary should include related terms like '嫡系' (direct lineage) and '旁系' (collateral branch). You can also use '家族' in a metaphorical sense to describe groups of related concepts or entities in science or linguistics with high precision. You are expected to use the word with the correct formal register in both writing and high-level speaking.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of '家族' (jiāzú) and its place in the Chinese linguistic landscape. You can engage in scholarly debates about the impact of the '家族' structure on Chinese modernization. You are familiar with classical references to clans and can use archaic or highly formal synonyms like '氏族' (shìzú) or '门阀' (ménfá) when appropriate to the context. You understand the political nuances of '家族政治' (clan politics) and can critique the influence of powerful families in various historical periods. Your usage of the word is flawless, capturing the exact degree of formality and cultural weight required. You can interpret the philosophical dimensions of the clan as a bridge between the individual and the state. Whether writing a legal document about family trusts or a poetic reflection on ancestral roots, you use '家族' with absolute precision and stylistic flair, recognizing all its historical echoes and modern applications.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

家族 in 30 Seconds

家族 (jiāzú) means clan or extended family, focusing on lineage and multi-generational history.
It is more formal and larger in scale than the everyday word '家庭' (jiātíng).
Commonly used in '家族企业' (family business) and '家族荣誉' (family honor).
Essential for understanding Chinese social structure, history, and formal business contexts.

The term 家族 (jiāzú) is a profound and multi-layered noun in Chinese that translates most directly to clan, lineage, or extended family. Unlike the more common word 家庭 (jiātíng), which typically refers to a nuclear family (parents and children) living under one roof, 家族 encompasses multiple generations, branches, and the historical continuity of a bloodline. It implies a sense of heritage, collective identity, and often, social or economic standing.

Scope: While 'family' in English can mean many things, 家族 specifically targets the 'clan' aspect. It is used when discussing historical dynasties, large-scale family businesses, or the entirety of one's relatives across several generations.
Social Context: In Chinese culture, the concept of the clan has been the bedrock of social organization for millennia. Using this word evokes images of ancestral halls, shared surnames, and the weight of tradition.

这是一个有着百年历史的家族。(This is a clan with a hundred-year history.)

You will frequently encounter 家族 in formal literature, historical discussions, and business news. For example, a 家族企业 (jiāzú qǐyè) refers to a family-owned enterprise, often implying a massive conglomerate like the Rockefellers or the Samsung group's Lee family. It suggests a legacy that is passed down through bloodlines rather than just a simple small business.

他为了维护家族的荣誉而努力工作。(He works hard to maintain the honor of the clan.)

In modern urban life, the daily usage of 家族 has slightly declined in favor of 亲戚 (qīnqi - relatives) for casual conversation, but it remains the standard term for describing the structural and historical entity of a family tree. When you want to emphasize the size, history, or formal nature of a family, this is the word to use.

Etymology: The character 家 (jiā) represents a pig under a roof, symbolizing a stable household. 族 (zú) represents a banner or flag with people gathered under it, symbolizing a tribe or ethnic group. Together, they create the 'banner of the household'.

这个家族的分支遍布世界各地。(The branches of this clan are spread all over the world.)

那是我们家族传承下来的宝物。(That is a treasure passed down through our clan.)

Modern Nuance: Today, '家族' is often paired with '企业' (enterprise) or '墓地' (cemetery), highlighting the collective assets or collective memory of the group.

研究家族史是一件很有趣的事情。(Studying clan history is a very interesting thing.)

Using 家族 (jiāzú) correctly requires understanding its formal tone and its focus on the collective. It functions primarily as a noun and can act as the subject, object, or an attributive modifier in a sentence. When it acts as a modifier, it often describes things that belong to or characterize the entire lineage.

As a Subject: When the clan itself performs an action or possesses a quality. Example: 这个家族在当地很有名望 (This clan is very prestigious locally).

整个家族都参加了那次祭祖仪式。(The entire clan participated in that ancestor worship ceremony.)

One of the most common ways to use 家族 is to describe something as being 'of the clan'. This is done by placing it before another noun, often with the particle 的 (de). For instance, 家族的传统 (clan traditions) or 家族的秘密 (clan secrets). This usage emphasizes that the tradition or secret is not personal, but belongs to the entire extended group.

In Compound Words: In many cases, the '的' is omitted to form a compound noun. 家族企业 (Family business), 家族病史 (Family medical history), 家族成员 (Clan members).

他在申请保险时需要填写家族病史。(He needs to fill out his clan medical history when applying for insurance.)

In grammatical structures, 家族 is often preceded by measure words like 个 (gè) for general use, or 支 (zhī) when referring to a specific branch or lineage. It can also be quantified by 整个 (zhěnggè - the whole) to emphasize the totality of the clan.

这个家族的财富是如何积累起来的？(How was the wealth of this clan accumulated?)

As an Object: When something affects the clan. 他背叛了整个家族 (He betrayed the entire clan).

他们非常看重家族的血缘关系。(They value the blood ties of the clan very highly.)

Lastly, 家族 appears in abstract discussions about society. For example, comparing the 家族制度 (clan system) of ancient China with modern social structures. It is a word that carries the weight of history and collective responsibility.

每个家族都有自己的家训。(Every clan has its own family precepts.)

You will encounter 家族 (jiāzú) in several specific real-world contexts that highlight its formal and collective nature. It is not a word usually shouted across a playground, but rather one discussed in boardrooms, historical sites, and during serious life events.

Business and Economy: In the financial news, you will often hear about 家族办公室 (Family Offices) or 家族信托 (Family Trusts). These are legal and financial entities designed to manage the massive wealth of ultra-high-net-worth lineages.

许多香港的大企业都是家族经营的。(Many large enterprises in Hong Kong are clan-operated.)

Historical dramas (often called 'period pieces') are another prime location for this word. Characters frequently discuss 家族利益 (clan interests) or 家族联姻 (clan intermarriage). In these contexts, the word emphasizes that individual desires must be sacrificed for the benefit of the larger group. It portrays the family as a political entity.

Genealogy and History: When visiting ancestral villages in China, you will see 家族祠堂 (Clan Ancestral Halls). These are physical buildings where the clan gathers to honor their ancestors. The term 家族族谱 (Clan Genealogy) refers to the physical books recording the lineage.

他在老家的家族祠堂里找到了祖先的名字。(He found his ancestors' names in the clan ancestral hall in his hometown.)

In medical settings, doctors might ask about 家族遗传病 (hereditary diseases within the clan). This is a very common technical use of the word. It looks at biological traits passed down through the bloodline rather than just the immediate household environment.

英国王室是一个非常有影响力的家族。(The British Royal Family is a very influential clan.)

Literature and Media: Fantasy and Wuxia novels use 家族 to describe powerful martial arts sects that are based on bloodlines, such as the 'Gusu Lan Clan' in popular media.

这个家族拥有某种神秘的力量。(This clan possesses a certain mysterious power.)

Finally, in sociology and anthropology, 家族 is used to describe the transition from traditional 'clan-based' societies to modern individualistic ones. It's a key term for understanding the structure of Chinese society over the last 2000 years.

社会学家正在研究传统家族结构的变迁。(Sociologists are studying the changes in traditional clan structures.)

The most frequent mistake learners make with 家族 (jiāzú) is using it in place of 家庭 (jiātíng) or 家人 (jiārén). While they all translate to 'family' in English, they are not interchangeable in Chinese. Understanding the scale and the nuance is key to sounding natural.

Scale Mistake: Don't use 家族 for your nuclear family. If you say '我家族有三个人' (My clan has three people), it sounds like your entire lineage consists of only three people, which is technically possible but linguistically strange. Use '我家里有三个人' instead.

Incorrect: 我今晚要和家族一起吃饭。(I'm eating with my clan tonight.)
Correct: 我今晚要和家人一起吃饭。(I'm eating with my family members tonight.)

Another mistake involves the tone or 'register'. 家族 is a very formal and heavy word. Using it in a casual setting can make you sound like you are in a historical drama or that you take your family history extremely seriously. Unless you are discussing wealth, heritage, or a very large group of relatives, stick to 家里人 or 亲戚.

The 'Enterprise' Confusion: Many learners assume any business owned by a family is a '家族企业'. While technically true, in Chinese, this term usually implies a large, multi-generational corporation. A small family-run noodle shop is better described as a '夫妻店' (husband-and-wife shop) or '自家生意' (own business).

他开了一个小小的家族企业。(He opened a tiny clan enterprise - Sounds overly dramatic for a small shop.)

There is also a confusion between 家族 and 民族 (mínzú). 民族 refers to an ethnic group or nationality (like the Han ethnic group). 家族 is strictly about bloodlines and shared ancestors within a specific lineage. You cannot use 家族 to describe a whole country's people.

不要把家族事务和个人生活混为一谈。(Do not mix clan affairs with personal life.)

Pluralization: Chinese doesn't have a plural 's'. One '家族' is a clan; multiple '家族' are clans. The context or numbers (e.g., 三个家族) will tell you the quantity.

这两个家族之间有很深的矛盾。(There is a deep conflict between these two clans.)

Chinese has several words that overlap with 家族 (jiāzú). Choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about the physical home, the biological relatives, or the historical lineage.

家庭 (jiātíng) vs 家族 (jiāzú): 家庭 is the 'nuclear family' or 'household'. It focuses on the people you live with. 家族 is the 'extended family' or 'clan'. It focuses on the bloodline and history across generations.
家人 (jiārén) vs 家族成员 (jiāzú chéngyuán): 家人 is a warm, casual term for 'family members'. 家族成员 is a formal way to refer to individuals within a clan, often used in legal or historical contexts.

虽然我们的家庭很小，但我们的家族很大。(Although our nuclear family is small, our clan is large.)

Another related word is 宗族 (zōngzú). This is even more formal and traditional than 家族. It specifically refers to a patrilineal clan system where everyone shares the same surname and ancestor. It is most commonly used when discussing history or traditional village life.

亲戚 (qīnqi): This means 'relatives'. It is the most common word for aunts, uncles, and cousins in daily conversation. If you are visiting your cousins, you are visiting 亲戚, not necessarily 'performing clan duties'.

过年的时候，所有的亲戚都会聚在一起。(During Chinese New Year, all the relatives gather together.)

In business contexts, you might hear 集团 (jítuán - group/conglomerate). While a 家族企业 is a clan enterprise, the 集团 refers to the business structure itself. Many 家族企业 are organized as 集团.

这个家族控制着好几家大型集团。(This clan controls several large conglomerates.)

门第 (méndì): An old-fashioned term referring to family status or social standing. It is often used in the context of marriage, where 'matching family status' (门当户对) is considered.

在古代，结婚非常看重门第。(In ancient times, marriage placed great importance on family status.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient times, the 'pig under a roof' (家) was a sign of wealth because only settled families could afford to keep livestock inside for protection. The 'flag' in '族' shows that clans were originally defensive and military units.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /dʒiːɑː dzuː/

US /dʒiɑ dzu/

The stress is balanced, but the second syllable 'zú' has a distinct rising inflection.

Rhymes With

虾 (xiā) 花 (huā) 足 (zú) 竹 (zhú) 毒 (dú) 福 (fú) 读 (dú) 图 (tú)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'zú' as 'zhú' (adding an 'h' sound).
Using the third tone for 'jiā' instead of the first tone.
Confusing the 'z' sound with a soft English 'z' (it should be more like 'ds' in 'roads').
Shortening 'jiā' into a single 'jah' sound.
Failing to rise enough on the second syllable 'zú'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The characters are common, but '族' has several strokes.

Writing 4/5

Writing '族' requires correct stroke order for the banner radical.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce if you master the 'j' and 'z' sounds.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with '民族' or '家庭' in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

家人大企业历史

Learn Next

宗族继承荣耀血缘谱系

Advanced

门第嫡系旁系门阀祠堂

Grammar to Know

Nouns as Attributives

家族(N) + 企业(N) = Family Enterprise

Measure Word '个'

一个(MW) + 家族(N)

Possessive Particle '的'

家族的(Possessive) + 荣誉(N)

Location with '里'

家族(N) + 里(Locative) = Inside the clan

Subject-Verb-Object

他(S) + 保护(V) + 家族(O)

Examples by Level

我的家族很大。

My clan is very big.

家族 (noun) + 很大 (adjective phrase).

这是一个古老的家族。

This is an ancient clan.

这是一个...家族 is a common structure for 'This is a...'

家族里有很多孩子。

There are many children in the clan.

家族里 (in the clan) acts as a location.

王先生是一个家族的族长。

Mr. Wang is the head of a clan.

族长 (zúzhǎng) means clan head.

我们家族住在北京。

Our clan lives in Beijing.

Subject (我们家族) + Verb (住) + Location.

他爱他的家族。

He loves his clan.

Simple Subject-Verb-Object.

家族的每个人都很有名。

Everyone in the clan is very famous.

家族的每个人 (Everyone of the clan).

这是我们家族的秘密。

This is our clan's secret.

家族的秘密 (Clan's secret).

他经营着一家家族企业。

He runs a family business.

家族企业 (jiāzú qǐyè) is a fixed compound.

我们家族有悠久的历史。

Our clan has a long history.

有...的历史 (to have a history of...).

家族成员每年都会聚会。

Clan members have a gathering every year.

家族成员 (Clan members).

他在学习家族的传统。

He is learning the clan's traditions.

家族的传统 (Clan's traditions).

整个家族都为他感到自豪。

The whole clan is proud of him.

整个 (zhěnggè) means 'the whole'.

他来自一个有钱的家族。

He comes from a wealthy clan.

来自 (láizì) means 'to come from'.

家族的荣誉非常重要。

The honor of the clan is very important.

家族的荣誉 (Clan honor).

我想了解我的家族背景。

I want to understand my clan background.

家族背景 (Clan background).

为了家族的利益，他不得不离开家乡。

For the interests of the clan, he had to leave his hometown.

为了...的利益 (For the sake of...'s interests).

医生询问了他的家族病史。

The doctor asked about his clan medical history.

家族病史 (Family medical history).

这个家族在当地政治中很有影响力。

This clan is very influential in local politics.

在...中很有影响力 (to be very influential in...).

他被视为家族的继承人。

He is regarded as the heir of the clan.

被视为 (to be regarded as).

家族的凝聚力让他在困难时期挺了过来。

The cohesion of the clan helped him get through difficult times.

凝聚力 (níngjùlì) means cohesion/unity.

他不想卷入家族的斗争。

He doesn't want to get involved in the clan's struggles.

卷入 (juǎnrù) means to get involved/entangled in.

家族墓地坐落在山脚下。

The clan cemetery is located at the foot of the mountain.

家族墓地 (Clan cemetery).

他正在整理家族的族谱。

He is organizing the clan's genealogy.

整理 (zhěnglǐ) means to organize/sort out.

家族企业的传承是一个复杂的问题。

The succession of family businesses is a complex issue.

传承 (chuánchéng) means succession/inheritance.

他背负着振兴家族的重任。

He carries the heavy responsibility of revitalizing the clan.

背负 (bēifù) means to carry on one's back (metaphorically).

这两个家族之间的恩怨已经持续了几代人。

The grievances between these two clans have lasted for generations.

恩怨 (ēnyuàn) means grievances/resentment.

家族观念在某些地区依然根深蒂固。

Clan concepts are still deeply rooted in some areas.

根深蒂固 (gēnshēn dìgù) is an idiom for deeply rooted.

他通过家族信托来保护自己的资产。

He protects his assets through a family trust.

家族信托 (Family trust).

家族的没落往往是从内部腐败开始的。

The decline of a clan often starts with internal corruption.

没落 (mòluò) means decline/downfall.

他拒绝了家族安排的婚事。

He rejected the marriage arranged by the clan.

家族安排 (Arranged by the clan).

他在家族内部拥有绝对的权威。

He possesses absolute authority within the clan.

拥有...的权威 (to possess the authority of...).

家族制度对中国传统社会结构产生了深远影响。

The clan system has had a profound impact on traditional Chinese social structure.

对...产生深远影响 (to have a far-reaching influence on...).

这部小说深刻地描绘了一个封建家族的瓦解过程。

This novel profoundly depicts the process of disintegration of a feudal clan.

描绘 (miáohuì) means to depict/describe.

他试图摆脱家族阴影，建立自己的事业。

He tried to break free from the shadow of his clan and establish his own career.

摆脱 (bǎituō) means to break free from.

家族成员之间的利益博弈非常激烈。

The game of interests between clan members is very intense.

利益博弈 (Game of interests).

他利用家族的人脉资源迅速扩张业务。

He utilized the clan's network resources to rapidly expand the business.

人脉资源 (Networking resources).

家族的血缘纽带是维系其存在的核心。

The blood ties of the clan are the core of its existence.

血缘纽带 (Blood ties).

在现代法治社会，家族势力受到了一定的制约。

In modern rule-of-law society, clan power is subject to certain constraints.

受到...的制约 (to be constrained by...).

他致力于研究中国近现代史上的名门家族。

He is dedicated to studying famous clans in modern Chinese history.

致力于 (to be dedicated to).

家族的兴衰成败往往与国家的命运紧密相连。

The rise and fall of a clan are often closely linked to the fate of the nation.

兴衰成败 (Rise and fall, success and failure).

他那具有家族遗传性的天赋在很小的时候就显露了出来。

His hereditary clan talent manifested at a very young age.

遗传性 (hereditary).

为了保全家族，他不得不做出极大的自我牺牲。

In order to preserve the clan, he had to make a huge self-sacrifice.

保全 (bǎoquán) means to preserve/save.

这种家族式的管理模式在现代企业中面临着严峻的挑战。

This clan-style management model faces severe challenges in modern enterprises.

家族式 (Clan-style).

他是这个庞大政治家族中最后一位坚守理想的人。

He is the last person in this massive political clan to hold onto his ideals.

坚守 (jiānshǒu) means to hold fast to.

家族文化的传承不仅是血缘的延续，更是精神的传递。

The inheritance of clan culture is not only the continuation of blood, but also the transmission of spirit.

不仅是...更是... (Not only... but also...).

他通过修撰家谱来增强家族的认同感和归属感。

He enhances the clan's sense of identity and belonging by compiling the genealogy.

认同感 (Sense of identity).

在历史的洪流中，无数显赫一时的家族最终都灰飞烟灭了。

In the torrent of history, countless once-prominent clans eventually vanished into thin air.

灰飞烟灭 (huī fēi yān miè) is an idiom for complete destruction.

Synonyms

宗族家庭亲戚氏族门第家门族群血脉

Antonyms

个人外界路人孤家寡人

Common Collocations

家族企业

家族病史

家族荣誉

家族成员

家族传统

家族利益

家族墓地

家族遗传

家族势力

家族联姻

Common Phrases

家族信托

— A legal arrangement to manage clan wealth. It is used by the rich.

很多富豪都会设立家族信托。

家族办公室

— A private wealth management firm for clans. It handles all financial matters.

他在一家著名的家族办公室工作。

名门家族

— A prestigious or famous clan. It implies high social status.

她出生于一个名门家族。

家族史

— The history of a clan. It records the ancestors' lives.

他在写一本关于家族史的书。

家族式管理

— Management style based on family ties. It is common in small businesses.

家族式管理有其优点也有缺点。

家族分支

— A branch of a larger clan. It refers to specific lines of descent.

我们是这个家族的一个分支。

家族聚会

— A gathering of the extended family. It happens during holidays.

每年的家族聚会都很热闹。

家族内斗

— Internal fighting within a clan. It usually involves money or power.

家族内斗导致了企业的破产。

家族诅咒

— A curse upon a clan. Often used in stories or folklore.

传说这个家族受到了某种诅咒。

家族重任

— A heavy responsibility for the clan. It is placed on the heir.

他感到肩上的家族重任很沉重。

Often Confused With

家族 vs 家庭

家庭 is the household; 家族 is the whole clan.

家族 vs 民族

民族 is an ethnic group; 家族 is a bloodline family.

家族 vs 种族

种族 is race; 家族 is specific to one lineage.

Idioms & Expressions

"光宗耀祖"

— To bring honor to one's ancestors and clan. It is a traditional goal.

他努力读书是为了光宗耀祖。

Formal

"门当户对"

— The families are well-matched in social status. Usually for marriage.

在古代，结婚讲究门当户对。

Neutral

"后继有人"

— To have qualified successors for the clan or cause. It ensures continuity.

看到儿子这么优秀，他觉得家族后继有人了。

Positive

"家破人亡"

— The family is broken and the members are dead. Refers to disaster.

战争导致了许多人亲人家破人亡。

Negative

"兴旺发达"

— To be prosperous and flourishing. Often said of clans.

祝愿你们家族兴旺发达。

Positive

"书香门第"

— A family of scholars. A clan with a long intellectual tradition.

他出生在一个书香门第。

Formal

"名门望族"

— A distinguished and influential family. High status.

那是当地赫赫有名的名门望族。

Formal

"后代子孙"

— Future generations and descendants of the clan.

我们要为后代子孙留下财富。

Neutral

"家大业大"

— A large family with a large business. Implies wealth but also complexity.

王家家大业大，规矩也多。

Informal

"承前启后"

— To inherit from the past and lead into the future. Used for clan history.

他是家族中承前启后的关键人物。

Formal

Easily Confused

家族 vs 家庭

Both translate to 'family'.

家庭 is small and focused on the home. 家族 is large and focused on the bloodline history.

我的家庭有四口人，但我的家族有几百人。

家族 vs 宗族

Both mean 'clan'.

宗族 is specifically patrilineal and more traditional/archaic. 家族 is more modern and general.

在古代，宗族祠堂非常重要。

家族 vs 大家庭

Both mean 'big family'.

大家庭 usually means many relatives living together. 家族 means the lineage regardless of where they live.

我们家是一个四世同堂的大家庭。

家族 vs 家人

Both refer to family members.

家人 is warm and refers to individuals. 家族 is an abstract group or entity.

我爱我的家人。

家族 vs 亲戚

Both refer to relatives.

亲戚 is a general term for relatives. 家族 is the formal organized group they belong to.

过年我们要去走亲戚。

Sentence Patterns

他来自一个...家族。

他来自一个有名的家族。

为了家族的...，他...

家族企业在...中占有重要地位。

...是维系家族的纽带。

这是一个...的家族。

他被选为家族的...

家族成员之间存在着...

随着社会的发展，家族制度...

Word Family

Nouns

家 (jiā - home)

家庭 (jiātíng - family)

民族 (mínzú - ethnicity)

种族 (zhǒngzú - race)

族长 (zúzhǎng - clan head)

Verbs

成家 (chéngjiā - to get married/start a family)

族居 (zújū - to live as a clan)

Adjectives

家用的 (jiāyòng de - for home use)

家族式的 (jiāzúshì de - clan-style)

血缘 (xuèyuán - blood relationship)

祖先 (zǔxiān - ancestors)

遗传 (yíchuán - heredity)

门第 (méndì - family status)

宗庙 (zōngmiào - ancestral temple)

How to Use It

frequency

High in news, history, and drama; medium in daily casual speech.

Common Mistakes

Using '家族' for immediate family members. → 使用 '家人' (jiārén) 或 '家里人' (jiālǐrén)。
'家族' refers to the whole clan/extended lineage. It's too grand for just your parents.
Confusing '家族' (jiāzú) with '民族' (mínzú). → 家族 = Clan; 民族 = Ethnic group/Nationality.
You can't say 'The Chinese clan' when you mean 'The Chinese people' (中华民族).
Saying '我有家族' to mean 'I have a family'. → 我有家人 / 我有家庭。
'家族' is an entity you belong to, not usually something you 'have' in a personal possession sense like a toy.
Writing '族' without the banner radical correctly. → Follow the stroke order for '㫃'.
Incorrect radicals change the meaning or make the character illegible.
Using '家族' in a very casual, slangy way. → Use '亲戚' or '家人们'.
'家族' is formal. Using it casually can sound sarcastic or overly dramatic.

Tips

Context is King

Only use '家族' when you want to emphasize the size, history, or formal status of the family. For everyday talk, use '家人'.

Learn the Compounds

Words like '家族企业' and '家族病史' are extremely common. Learning them as single units will help you sound more fluent.

Understand the Weight

In China, a '家族' is not just people; it is a legacy. Treat the word with the respect it carries in a cultural context.

No Plurals

Remember that '家族' can be one clan or many clans. Let the context or the number before it do the work.

Listen for the 'Z'

The 'zú' sound is very distinct. If you hear it after 'jiā', you know the speaker is talking about something bigger than just a household.

The Banner Radical

The radical in '族' is 㫃 (banner). This is a great way to remember that the word refers to a group gathered under a flag.

Formal Situations

Use '家族' in job interviews if you are discussing a family-owned company you worked for. It sounds professional.

Genealogy Books

If you see '家谱' or '族谱', look for the word '家族' nearby—they are always related to clan history.

The Big House

Think of '家族' as 'House of...' like in Game of Thrones. House Lannister is a '家族'.

Tone Accuracy

The rising tone on 'zú' is vital. If you say it flat, it might be confused with other words.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a huge HOUSE (家) with a giant FLAG (族) on top. Everyone under that flag is part of your CLAN.

Visual Association

Picture a massive family tree with hundreds of names, all branching out from one central root under a grand roof.

Word Web

祖先 (Ancestor) 后代 (Descendant) 血缘 (Bloodline) 遗产 (Heritage) 荣誉 (Honor) 企业 (Enterprise) 族谱 (Genealogy) 传统 (Tradition)

Challenge

Try to describe your own extended family history using '家族' and mention one '家族传统' (clan tradition).

Word Origin

The word '家族' is composed of two ancient characters. '家' dates back to oracle bone script, showing a pig (豕) under a roof (宀), signifying a settled agricultural life. '族' originally depicted a military banner (㫃) with an arrow (矢) underneath, representing a group of people fighting under the same flag.

Original meaning: The combination originally meant the group of people belonging to the same household banner or lineage.

Sino-Tibetan

Cultural Context

Be respectful when asking about someone's 家族 in China, as it can be a source of great pride or sensitive historical trauma.

In English, 'family' is very broad. In Chinese, you must distinguish between your house (家庭) and your lineage (家族).

Dream of the Red Chamber (红楼梦) - A masterpiece about the rise and fall of a 家族. The movie 'Coming Home' (归来) - Explores family and memory. The 'Gusu Lan Clan' in 'The Untamed' (陈情令) - A fictional martial arts 家族.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Medical Consultation

家族病史
遗传性疾病
家族成员健康
基因检测

Business News

家族企业
财富传承
家族信托
接班人

Historical Drama

家族荣誉
家族恩怨
祭祀祖先
族长

Social Gathering

大家族
家族聚会
亲戚朋友
老家

Genealogy Research

修订族谱
家族起源
祖籍
分支

Conversation Starters

"你的家族有什么特别的传统吗？"

"你了解你们家族的历史吗？"

"在你的国家，家族企业多吗？"

"你认为家族荣誉在现代社会还重要吗？"

"你们家族每年都会举行大型聚会吗？"

Journal Prompts

写一写关于你家族的一个有趣的故事或传说。

你觉得出生在一个名门家族是好事还是坏事？为什么？

描述一下你理想中的家族管理模式。

如果让你为你的家族设计一个旗帜，它会是什么样子的？

谈谈你对‘家族责任’这个词的理解。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Generally, no. '家族' implies a much larger group including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and ancestors. Use '家庭' (jiātíng) or '家人' (jiārén) for your immediate family.

Technically, any business owned by a family is a family business. However, in Chinese, '家族企业' usually suggests a larger, influential enterprise. For a small family shop, people often say '自家生意' (zìjiā shēngyi).

'宗族' is a more academic and historical term specifically for patrilineal clans (sharing the same surname). '家族' is the common modern word for any extended family clan.

You can say '家谱' (jiāpǔ) or '家族树' (jiāzúshù). '家谱' is the more traditional term for the recorded genealogy book.

Yes, '家族' generally includes everyone considered part of that extended family unit, including those married into it, though historically blood relations were emphasized more.

Yes, in linguistics, '语族' refers to a language family. In biology, '科' is usually used for 'family' (like Felidae), but '家族' can be used metaphorically.

Because Chinese culture traditionally places the interests of the clan above the individual, creating great conflict for stories about love, duty, and power.

It can be used metaphorically for a group of related animals, like a 'lion clan', but it's primarily a human social term.

It is a 'Family Office', a private company that manages the investments and trusts of a very wealthy clan.

You say '家族荣誉' (jiāzú róngyù). It is a very important concept in traditional Chinese culture.