Niece refers specifically to a brother's daughter in Chinese kinship terms.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Brother's daughter.
- Used for paternal nieces.
- Common in family contexts.
Overview
“侄女”是中国亲属称谓体系中的一个重要词汇，特指男性长辈（如伯伯、叔叔、舅舅等）的女儿。这个词语清晰地界定了亲属关系，即父系（或母系中的男性亲属）的女儿。在中国传统文化中，亲属关系是社会结构的重要组成部分，因此准确使用这些称谓至关重要。
“侄女”的使用遵循严格的亲属关系规则。通常，当说话人是男性长辈的兄弟，或者与男性长辈有紧密亲属关系时，称呼其女儿为“侄女”。例如，如果张先生的兄弟有一个女儿，那么张先生就会称呼这个女孩为“侄女”。反之，如果说话人是女性，她会称呼自己兄弟的女儿为“侄女”。在某些口语化表达中，也可能泛指关系较近的同辈男性亲属的女儿。
这个词语经常出现在家庭聚会、节日问候、介绍亲友等日常生活中。例如，“这是我侄女，小红。”或者，“过年好，祝我的侄女学习进步！” 在书面语中，尤其是在描述家庭结构或进行族谱记录时，也会使用“侄女”。
与“侄女”相近但不同的称谓包括：“外甥女”（指姐妹的女儿）和“孙女”（指儿子的女儿）。“侄女”强调的是兄弟的女儿，而“外甥女”则指向姐妹的女儿，两者在亲属关系上有所区别。例如，一个阿姨（父亲的姐妹）会称呼自己兄弟的女儿为“侄女”，而称呼自己姐妹的女儿为“外甥女”。“孙女”则是指儿子的女儿，辈分上比侄女要低一级。
Examples
这是我叔叔的侄女，小丽。
everydayThis is my uncle's niece, Xiao Li.
我时常收到我侄女寄来的明信片。
informalI often receive postcards sent by my niece.
作为长辈，他关心着侄女的成长。
neutralAs an elder, he cares about his niece's growth.
该族谱详细记载了每一位男性成员的侄女。
formalThe genealogy meticulously records the nieces of each male member.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
我的侄女
my niece
小侄女
little niece
叫侄女
call niece
Often Confused With
'侄女' refers to a brother's daughter, while '外甥女' refers to a sister's daughter. The distinction is based on whether the relation is through the male or female line.
'侄女' is the daughter of one's brother, whereas '孙女' is the daughter of one's son. '孙女' is of a lower generation compared to '侄女'.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term '侄女' is specific to paternal nieces (brother's daughters). It is important to distinguish it from maternal nieces (sister's daughters), who are called '外甥女'. The term is commonly used in everyday conversation and family contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '侄女' with '外甥女', using it incorrectly for a sister's daughter. Ensure you remember that '侄女' pertains to the brother's side of the family.
Tips
Remember Brother's Daughter
Think of 'zhi' (侄) as relating to your brother's side of the family.
Distinguish from Maternal Niece
Do not confuse '侄女' (brother's daughter) with '外甥女' (sister's daughter).
Importance of Kinship Terms
Accurate use of kinship terms like '侄女' reflects respect for family ties in Chinese culture.
Word Origin
The character '侄' (zhí) is composed of the radical '亻' (rén, meaning person) and '弗' (fú, meaning not). Historically, it specifically denoted a brother's son or daughter, emphasizing the paternal lineage.
Cultural Context
In traditional Chinese culture, kinship terms are very important. Using the correct term like '侄女' shows respect for family structure and relationships. It reinforces the sense of belonging within the extended family.
Memory Tip
Remember '侄' rhymes with '直' (straight), signifying the direct line from your brother. '侄女' is your brother's straight daughter.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“侄女”是指兄弟的女儿，而“外甥女”是指姐妹的女儿。两者都表示女性晚辈，但亲属关系来源不同。
叔叔的女儿应该称为“侄女”。因为叔叔是父亲的兄弟，属于父系亲属。
通常情况下，“侄女”是用来称呼伯伯、叔叔（父亲的兄弟）的女儿。堂兄/表哥的女儿，根据具体称谓，可能被称为“堂侄女”或“表侄女”，但“侄女”是更普遍的说法，尤其是在口语中。
是的，“侄女”这个称谓在现代社会仍然被广泛使用，尤其是在家庭内部交流和介绍亲友时。它依然是表示亲属关系的重要词汇。
Test Yourself
这是我叔叔的女儿，我的_____。
叔叔是父亲的兄弟，他的女儿被称为侄女。
如果你有一个姐姐，她的女儿应该被称为什么？
姐姐的女儿被称为外甥女。
请用“侄女”和“可爱”造句。
这句话结构完整，表意清晰，符合语法规范。
Score: /3
Summary
Niece refers specifically to a brother's daughter in Chinese kinship terms.
- Brother's daughter.
- Used for paternal nieces.
- Common in family contexts.
Remember Brother's Daughter
Think of 'zhi' (侄) as relating to your brother's side of the family.
Distinguish from Maternal Niece
Do not confuse '侄女' (brother's daughter) with '外甥女' (sister's daughter).
Importance of Kinship Terms
Accurate use of kinship terms like '侄女' reflects respect for family ties in Chinese culture.
Examples
4 of 4这是我叔叔的侄女，小丽。
This is my uncle's niece, Xiao Li.
我时常收到我侄女寄来的明信片。
I often receive postcards sent by my niece.
作为长辈，他关心着侄女的成长。
As an elder, he cares about his niece's growth.
该族谱详细记载了每一位男性成员的侄女。
The genealogy meticulously records the nieces of each male member.
