A nanny is a professional assistant who helps manage household duties and family care.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A professional hired for childcare or domestic chores.
- Commonly found in busy urban households.
- Term is neutral and widely used in modern society.
Overview
- 1概述：保姆（nanny/housekeeper）是现代家庭生活中常见的职业角色。随着双职工家庭的增多，寻找合适的保姆成为许多家庭解决育儿与家务难题的首选。2) 使用模式：在中文语境中，我们通常说“请保姆”、“找保姆”或“辞退保姆”。根据服务内容不同，还有“育儿嫂”、“月嫂”或“住家保姆”等更细分的称呼。3) 常见语境：保姆常见于城市家庭，主要用于描述协助处理家务或照看家庭成员的人员。在日常交流中，人们常讨论保姆的素质、收费标准以及与雇主之间的相处之道。4) 近义词辨析：与“家政”相比，“保姆”侧重于人，即具体的工作人员；而“家政”是一个行业名词，涵盖了清洁、护理等多种服务。与“佣人”相比，“保姆”一词更现代、更具职业色彩，不带有旧社会的阶级歧视意味。
Examples
我家请了一位住家保姆。
everydayWe hired a live-in nanny for our home.
雇佣保姆需要签订正式的劳动合同。
formalHiring a nanny requires signing a formal labor contract.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
找保姆
Look for a nanny
辞退保姆
Dismiss a nanny
Often Confused With
This term is antiquated and carries a negative connotation of servitude. It is rarely used in modern professional contexts.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term '保姆' is neutral and professional. Always use '阿姨' when speaking directly to the person. Avoid using '佣人' as it is socially inappropriate.
Common Mistakes
Some learners might confuse '保姆' with '保镖' (bodyguard) due to similar sounds. Ensure you distinguish between domestic help and security staff. Also, avoid using '佣人' as it sounds offensive.
Tips
Use '阿姨' for polite address
It is customary to call your nanny '阿姨' (Auntie) in China. This shows respect and creates a friendly atmosphere.
Avoid using '佣人'
The word '佣人' sounds outdated and implies a servant-master relationship. Always use '保姆' or '阿姨' to be professional.
The importance of home services
In China, hiring a nanny is very common for dual-income families. It is a vital part of the urban childcare ecosystem.
Word Origin
The word consists of '保' (to protect/care for) and '姆' (an elderly woman or nurse). Historically, it refers to a woman who serves as a nanny or wet nurse.
Cultural Context
In China, the nanny industry is highly structured. Agencies play a big role in screening candidates, and 'nanny' is a respected service profession.
Memory Tip
Think of '保' (protect/care) + '姆' (motherly figure). It is a person who protects and cares for the family.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions月嫂主要负责产后母婴的专业护理，通常工作时间较短，专业要求更高。保姆则负责长期的家庭杂务和日常照料，工作范围更广泛。
住家保姆是指居住在雇主家中，提供全天候或长时间服务的保姆。这种方式适合需要随时照看老人或幼儿的家庭。
在现代家庭中，雇主通常会称呼保姆为“阿姨”。这是一种既尊重对方又显得亲切的称呼方式。
Test Yourself
因为工作太忙，我们要请一位___来照顾孩子。
保姆是专门负责家庭照料的人员。
Score: /1
Summary
A nanny is a professional assistant who helps manage household duties and family care.
- A professional hired for childcare or domestic chores.
- Commonly found in busy urban households.
- Term is neutral and widely used in modern society.
Use '阿姨' for polite address
It is customary to call your nanny '阿姨' (Auntie) in China. This shows respect and creates a friendly atmosphere.
Avoid using '佣人'
The word '佣人' sounds outdated and implies a servant-master relationship. Always use '保姆' or '阿姨' to be professional.
The importance of home services
In China, hiring a nanny is very common for dual-income families. It is a vital part of the urban childcare ecosystem.
Examples
2 of 2我家请了一位住家保姆。
We hired a live-in nanny for our home.
雇佣保姆需要签订正式的劳动合同。
Hiring a nanny requires signing a formal labor contract.
