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A2 noun #6,500 most common 10 min read

公婆

gōngpó Top 6,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 公婆 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 公婆 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that '公婆' (gōngpó) means 'parents-in-law' from the perspective of a married woman. It is a combination of two basic characters: '公' (gōng), which you might see in 'office' (办公室) or 'park' (公园), but here means 'father-in-law'; and '婆' (pó), which means 'old woman' or 'mother-in-law'. At this stage, just remember that this word is for the husband's parents. If you are a woman and you get married, your husband's mom and dad are your '公婆'. You can use simple sentences like '这是我的公婆' (These are my parents-in-law). Focus on recognizing the characters and knowing they represent two people. Don't worry about complex cultural rules yet; just think of them as a set of 'new parents' you get when you marry into a Chinese family. You might hear this word in basic stories about family members or when learning about family trees. It is a noun, and it doesn't change form. Just like 'parents' (父母), it refers to both people at once.

At the A2 level, you should start using '公婆' (gōngpó) in sentences about daily life and family routines. You should understand that in Chinese culture, the relationship with one's '公婆' is very important. You might use this word to describe who you live with or who you visit during the holidays. For example, '过年的时候，我和丈夫回老家看公婆' (During the New Year, my husband and I go back to the hometown to see my parents-in-law). You should also be aware that you don't use this word to address them directly. If you meet them, you call them '爸爸' (Bàba) and '妈妈' (Māma). '公婆' is only for talking about them to other people. At this level, you should be able to distinguish '公婆' from '岳父母' (wife's parents). A simple trick: '公' (Gōng) is like 'Grandpa' (爷爷's other name is 公公 in some regions), and '婆' (Pó) is like 'Grandma' (婆婆). Since traditional Chinese families are paternal, the 'Gong' and 'Po' are the heads of the husband's family. You will often see this word in HSK 2 or 3 level reading passages about family gatherings.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '公婆' (gōngpó) to discuss social expectations and cultural differences. You can use it in more complex structures, such as '对...好' (to treat someone well) or '照顾' (to take care of). For example, '在中国，很多儿媳妇都要照顾公婆' (In China, many daughters-in-law have to take care of their parents-in-law). You should also understand the concept of '孝顺' (xiàoshùn - filial piety) as it relates to one's '公婆'. This level involves understanding that the '公婆' often live with the young couple to help with childcare, which is a common social phenomenon in China. You might discuss the pros and cons of this arrangement using '公婆'. You should also be able to recognize the word in TV shows or movies, where the relationship between a woman and her '公婆' is a very common theme. Your vocabulary should now include related terms like '儿媳妇' (érxífù - daughter-in-law) and '婆媳关系' (póxí guānxì - the relationship between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law). You are moving beyond just 'who they are' to 'how you interact with them' and 'what society expects of that interaction'.

At the B2 level, you can use '公婆' (gōngpó) to analyze complex social issues in China, such as the aging population and the 'sandwich generation.' You should be able to discuss the legal and moral obligations a woman has toward her '公婆'. For instance, you might write an essay about whether young couples should live with their '公婆' to save money or live separately for more freedom. You should understand the nuances of 'face' (面子) in these relationships—how a woman's behavior toward her '公婆' reflects on her own upbringing and her husband's status. At this level, you should also be familiar with regional variations, such as the Southern '家公/家婆', and understand that '公婆' is the standard Mandarin term used in news and literature. You can use the word in more abstract contexts, such as '赡养公婆的义务' (the obligation to support one's parents-in-law). You should also be able to follow fast-paced conversations or dramas where '公婆' are discussed in the third person, often with varying emotional tones—from deep respect to modern frustration.

At the C1 level, your understanding of '公婆' (gōngpó) should include its historical and sociological depth. You should be able to discuss how the role of '公婆' has evolved from the late Qing dynasty through the Mao era to the present day. You can use the term in academic discussions about the 'patriarchal bargain' or the changing nature of the Chinese family. You should be familiar with literary references to '公婆' in classic novels like 'Dream of the Red Chamber' or modern literature, where the term might be used to symbolize traditional authority or the constraints of the old family system. You should also understand the legal intricacies, such as how '公婆' are treated in the Civil Code of the People's Republic of China regarding inheritance and support. Your usage should be precise, distinguishing between '公婆' as a social unit and the individual roles of '公公' and '婆婆'. You should also be able to use and understand idiomatic expressions or formal terms like '翁姑' (wēnggū) that relate to this relationship. At this level, you aren't just learning a word; you are mastering a central pillar of Chinese social organization.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of '公婆' (gōngpó), including its most subtle connotations and archaic uses. You can appreciate the linguistic evolution of the term and its place within the vast system of Chinese kinship terms. You can discuss the etymology of '公' and '婆' in ancient scripts and how they came to represent the husband's parents. You are capable of analyzing the power dynamics of the '公婆' in different historical periods, such as the transition from the 'joint family' system to the 'nuclear family' system. You can interpret the use of '公婆' in complex legal cases or high-level sociological research. You should also be able to understand and use puns, wordplay, or cultural metaphors involving '公婆' in sophisticated humor or high-level literature. Your understanding extends to the emotional subtext—how the mention of '公婆' can evoke a sense of duty, tradition, or even systemic oppression in certain feminist critiques of Chinese culture. You can navigate the most formal environments, such as a high-level diplomatic dinner or a family's internal dispute mediation, using the term with perfect register and cultural sensitivity.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

公婆 in 30 Seconds

Refers to the husband's parents (collective noun).
Used only from the wife's perspective.
Key term for discussing family dynamics and filial piety.
Never used as a direct form of address.

The term 公婆 (gōngpó) is a collective noun in Chinese specifically used to refer to a woman's parents-in-law—that is, her husband's father (公公 gōnggong) and mother (婆婆 pópo). Understanding this word requires a deep dive into the traditional Chinese patrilineal family structure, where a woman's relationship with her husband's family was historically considered her most significant social bond after marriage. In contemporary China, while social structures have modernized, the term remains the standard way to refer to this specific pair of relatives in both formal and informal contexts. It is not merely a label but a word that carries weight, implying a set of social expectations, duties, and a specific hierarchy within the domestic sphere.

Etymological Breakdown: The character 公 (gōng) originally referred to a high-ranking official or a public figure, but in a kinship context, it denotes a male elder of the husband's side. The character 婆 (pó) refers to an elderly woman or a grandmother figure. Together, they form a balanced unit representing the patriarchal heads of the household into which a woman has married.

Usage of 公婆 is strictly limited to the wife's perspective. A husband would never use this term to refer to his own parents or his wife's parents. For his wife's parents, he would use 岳父母 (yuèfùmǔ). This distinction is crucial in Chinese culture, which maintains clear linguistic boundaries between 'inner' (paternal/husband's side) and 'outer' (maternal/wife's side) relatives. When a woman speaks about her 公婆, she is often discussing matters of filial piety (孝顺 xiàoshùn), household management, or the care of her children, as grandparents in China frequently play a primary role in childcare.

我和公婆住在一起，他们帮我带孩子。(Wǒ hé gōngpó zhù zài yīqǐ, tāmen bāng wǒ dài háizi.) - I live with my parents-in-law; they help me take care of the children.

Social Dynamics: Traditionally, the 公婆 held absolute authority over the daughter-in-law. While this has shifted significantly, many women still feel a strong sense of obligation to provide 'face' (面子 miànzi) to their 公婆 through expensive gifts during the Lunar New Year or by ensuring they are well-cared for in their old age.

Furthermore, the term is used in legal and formal documents regarding inheritance and elderly support. Under Chinese law, children have a legal obligation to support their parents, and by extension, a daughter-in-law often shares the responsibility of caring for her 公婆, especially if they live under the same roof. This collective term simplifies the reference to both individuals, emphasizing their status as a unified pair of elders within the family hierarchy.

每逢过年，我们都要回老家看望公婆。(Měiféng guònián, wǒmen dōu yào huí lǎojiā kànwàng gōngpó.) - Every Lunar New Year, we must return to the hometown to visit my parents-in-law.

Addressing vs. Referring: Note that 公婆 is a term of reference (used when talking *about* them to others). When talking *to* them, a woman usually addresses them as 爸爸 (Bàba) and 妈妈 (Māma) or 公公 and 婆婆, depending on regional customs and family closeness.

Using 公婆 correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a collective noun. It functions as a direct object, a subject, or a possessive modifier. Because it refers to two people, it often takes plural-friendly verbs or is used in contexts describing shared actions or attitudes. The word is most frequently paired with verbs related to interpersonal relationships, residence, and filial duties.

As a Subject: When 公婆 acts as the subject, it describes the actions or traits of the parents-in-law as a unit. For example: '我的公婆都很开明' (My parents-in-law are both very open-minded). Here, the focus is on their shared personality.

公婆对他像亲生女儿一样。(Gōngpó duì tā xiàng qīnshēng nǚ'ér yīyàng.) - Her parents-in-law treat her like their own daughter.

Another common sentence pattern involves the preposition 对 (duì), which indicates the direction of an attitude or action. A daughter-in-law might say she '对公婆很孝顺' (is very filial toward her parents-in-law). This construction is essential for expressing the quality of the relationship. In contrast, if the relationship is strained, one might hear: '她和公婆之间有一些矛盾' (There are some conflicts between her and her parents-in-law).

As an Object: As an object, 公婆 often follows verbs like 看望 (kànwàng - to visit), 照顾 (zhàogù - to care for), or 接 (jiē - to pick up/bring over). For instance: '下周末我们要去接公婆来家里住' (Next weekend we are going to bring my parents-in-law to stay at our house).

In formal writing, such as news reports or sociological studies, 公婆 is used to discuss the 'sandwich generation' (夹心层 jiāxīncéng) where women must balance work with caring for both their children and their 公婆. For example: '女性在照顾孩子和公婆方面承担了更多责任' (Women bear more responsibility in caring for children and parents-in-law).

新婚夫妇通常会送礼物给公婆。(Xīnhūn fūfù tōngcháng huì sòng lǐwù gěi gōngpó.) - Newlywed couples usually give gifts to the husband's parents.

Possessive Use: When using the possessive 的 (de), it is often dropped in casual speech between close family members but retained for clarity. '我(的)公婆' is the standard way to identify them as yours.

The word 公婆 is ubiquitous in Chinese social life, appearing in contexts ranging from casual gossip to high-stakes family negotiations. If you are in China or watching Chinese media, you will likely encounter this term in several specific environments. First and foremost is the domestic setting. When a woman talks to her friends or colleagues about her home life, 公婆 is a frequent topic of conversation, especially concerning living arrangements and child-rearing.

Domestic Dramas (家庭剧): Chinese television is famous for its 'family conflict' genre. In these shows, the 'Po-Xi' relationship is often the central hook. You will hear characters say things like '你公婆怎么能这样？' (How could your parents-in-law be like this?) or '我要回婆家看公婆' (I need to go back to my husband's home to see his parents).

Another common place to hear 公婆 is in the workplace during lunch breaks. Colleagues often discuss the challenges of the 'Spring Festival Rush' (春运 chūnyùn), debating whether to spend the holiday with the woman's parents or the 公婆. This is a classic dilemma in modern China, often referred to as the 'Battle of the New Year's Eve Dinner'. Hearing the term in this context highlights its role in the negotiation of tradition versus modern independence.

很多人在网上抱怨自己的公婆太爱管闲事。(Hěnduō rén zài wǎngshàng bàoyuàn zìjǐ de gōngpó tài ài guǎn xiánshì.) - Many people complain online that their parents-in-law are too meddlesome.

Legal and Social Services: In community centers or legal counseling offices, 公婆 is used when discussing elderly care rights and inheritance. Social workers might ask, '你公婆有退休金吗？' (Do your parents-in-law have a pension?) to assess a family's financial health.

Finally, you will hear it in the context of weddings. During the tea ceremony, the bride officially addresses her 公婆 as 'Dad' and 'Mom' for the first time. While she uses those titles to their faces, when she speaks to the guests or the photographer, she might refer to them as her 公婆. It signifies a transition of status and the beginning of a new set of familial bonds.

婚礼上，新娘恭敬地给公婆敬茶。(Hūnlǐ shàng, xīnniáng gōngjìng de gěi gōngpó jìngchá.) - At the wedding, the bride respectfully serves tea to her parents-in-law.

The most frequent mistake learners make with 公婆 is using it to refer to the wrong set of parents-in-law. In English, the term 'parents-in-law' is gender-neutral regarding the speaker; both a husband and a wife use it. In Chinese, however, the terms are highly gender-specific. A man who refers to his wife's parents as 公婆 is making a significant linguistic and cultural error. He must use 岳父母 (yuèfùmǔ).

Confusing Speaker Perspective: Mistake: A man saying '我去见我的公婆' (I am going to see my parents-in-law). Correction: He should say '我去见我的岳父母'. Remember: 公婆 is only for the husband's parents, from the wife's point of view.

Another common error is using 公婆 as a direct form of address. While you can say 'My 公婆 are coming,' you should never walk up to them and say 'Hi, 公婆!' This would sound extremely cold, clinical, and disrespectful. Instead, you should address them as 爸爸/妈妈 or 公公/婆婆. Using the collective term to their faces is a major social faux pas that ignores the intimacy required in Chinese family dynamics.

错误：公婆，你们好！(Mistake: Hello, parents-in-law!)
正确：爸爸、妈妈，你们好！(Correct: Hello, Dad and Mom!)

Learners also sometimes confuse 公婆 with 祖父母 (zǔfùmǔ), which means paternal grandparents. While 公婆 are the grandparents of the woman's children, the term 公婆 specifically describes their relationship to *her*, not to her children. If you are talking about the children's relationship to them, use 爷爷奶奶 (yéye nǎinai). Using the wrong kinship term can cause confusion about which generation or which side of the family you are referring to.

Tone and Context: In some contexts, using the word '公婆' too much instead of more personal terms might make the speaker sound like they are distancing themselves from the family. It is best used in descriptive contexts rather than sentimental ones.

Chinese kinship terminology is famously complex, and 公婆 is just one piece of the puzzle. To master its usage, you must understand how it compares to other terms for in-laws and parents. The most immediate comparison is with 岳父母 (yuèfùmǔ), which represents the mirror image of 公婆 from the husband's perspective.

公婆 vs. 岳父母: 公婆: Husband's parents (used by the wife).
岳父母: Wife's parents (used by the husband).
In English, both are just 'parents-in-law,' but in Chinese, the distinction is mandatory.

Another set of terms is 公公 (gōnggong) and 婆婆 (pópo). These are the individual components of 公婆. While 公婆 is a collective noun (the couple), 公公 and 婆婆 are used to refer to the father-in-law and mother-in-law separately. Interestingly, 婆婆 is also a common way to address any elderly woman in certain dialects, but in the context of marriage, it is specific to the husband's mother.

我给婆婆买了一件毛衣，给公公买了一瓶酒。(I bought a sweater for my mother-in-law and a bottle of wine for my father-in-law.)

Formal Alternatives: In very formal or literary contexts, you might see 翁姑 (wēnggū). 翁 refers to the father-in-law and 姑 (in this specific archaic sense) to the mother-in-law. This is rarely heard in daily speech but common in classical literature or formal legal history.

Finally, there is the term 姻亲 (yīnqīn), which is the general academic/legal term for 'relatives by marriage' (affines). While 公婆 are a specific type of 姻亲, 姻亲 covers everyone from your spouse's cousins to their siblings. If you are filling out a formal government form, you might see '姻亲关系' (relationship by marriage) as a category.

Comparison Table

公婆: Collective, husband's parents.
公公/婆婆: Individual, husband's father/mother.
岳父母: Collective, wife's parents.
家翁/家婆: Cantonese/Southern variant.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient China, the 'Gong' (father-in-law) was technically the 'ruler' of the internal household, and the daughter-in-law's primary duty was to serve him and his wife before even her own husband.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɡʊŋ pɔː/

US /ɡʊŋ poʊ/

The stress is relatively equal, but the second syllable 'pó' often feels slightly more emphasized because of the rising tone.

Rhymes With

中 (zhōng) 红 (hóng) 活 (huó - near rhyme) 河 (hé - near rhyme)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'pó' as a flat tone (pō), which can sound like 'slope'.
Pronouncing 'gōng' as a falling tone (gòng), which means 'tribute' or 'provide'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The characters are relatively simple and common.

Writing 3/5

The character '婆' has many strokes and requires practice.

Speaking 2/5

Tones are straightforward (1st and 2nd).

Listening 2/5

Distinctive sound, easy to pick out in family contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

爸爸 (Bàba) 妈妈 (Māma) 家 (Jiā) 和 (Hé) 住 (Zhù)

Learn Next

岳父母 (Yuèfùmǔ) 儿媳 (Érxí) 女婿 (Nǚxu) 孝顺 (Xiàoshùn) 赡养 (Shànyǎng)

Advanced

宗法 (Zōngfǎ) 姻亲 (Yīnqīn) 翁姑 (Wēnggū)

Grammar to Know

Omission of '的' in kinship terms

我公婆 (My in-laws) instead of 我的公婆.

Collective Nouns as Subjects

公婆都很高兴。(The parents-in-law are both very happy.)

Preposition '对' for attitudes

她对公婆很客气。(She is very polite to her in-laws.)

Verb '帮' in serial verb constructions

公婆帮我做饭。(In-laws help me cook.)

'已经...了' for states

公婆已经睡了。(The in-laws have already gone to sleep.)

Examples by Level

这是我的公婆。

These are my parents-in-law.

Simple 'Subject + be + possessive + noun' structure.

我公婆在中国。

My parents-in-law are in China.

The possessive '的' is often omitted in family terms.

公婆人很好。

(My) parents-in-law are very good people.

'人很好' is a common way to describe personality.

我爱我的公婆。

I love my parents-in-law.

Simple SVO (Subject-Verb-Object) sentence.

公婆在北京住。

My parents-in-law live in Beijing.

'住' (to live) often follows the location.

这是我公婆的照片。

This is a photo of my parents-in-law.

'的照片' indicates possession of the photo.

我公婆有三个孩子。

My parents-in-law have three children.

'有' means 'to have' or 'there is'.

公婆在看电视。

(My) parents-in-law are watching TV.

'在' + verb indicates present continuous action.

我和公婆住在一起。

I live together with my parents-in-law.

'和...住在一起' is a standard pattern for living arrangements.

公婆帮我们照顾孩子。

My parents-in-law help us take care of the children.

'帮' (help) is used here as a verb followed by another verb phrase.

我公婆明年要来美国。

My parents-in-law are coming to America next year.

'要' indicates a future intention or plan.

你公婆身体好吗？

Are your parents-in-law in good health?

'身体好' is the standard way to ask about health.

我要给公婆买礼物。

I want to buy a gift for my parents-in-law.

'给...买' means 'to buy for...'.

公婆不喜欢吃辣的。

My parents-in-law don't like eating spicy food.

'的' turns the adjective '辣' into a noun (spicy things).

公婆每天去公园散步。

My parents-in-law go to the park for a walk every day.

'每天' (every day) acts as a time adverb.

我公婆已经退休了。

My parents-in-law have already retired.

'已经...了' indicates a completed state or action.

对公婆要有礼貌。

One should be polite to one's parents-in-law.

'对...有礼貌' is a fixed expression for 'being polite to someone'.

她和公婆的关系非常融洽。

The relationship between her and her parents-in-law is very harmonious.

'融洽' is a higher-level adjective for 'harmonious'.

公婆希望我们能多回家看看。

My parents-in-law hope we can come home to visit more often.

'希望' (hope) takes a full clause as its object.

为了照顾公婆，她辞掉了工作。

In order to take care of her parents-in-law, she quit her job.

'为了' (for the sake of) starts the purpose clause.

公婆总是担心我们的生活。

My parents-in-law are always worried about our lives.

'总是' (always) emphasizes a recurring state.

我公婆是地道的上海人。

My parents-in-law are authentic Shanghainese people.

'地道' (authentic/genuine) is used here to describe local identity.

公婆的意见对我们很重要。

My parents-in-law's opinions are very important to us.

'对...很重要' is a common structure for 'important to...'.

公婆经常给我们寄家乡的特产。

My parents-in-law often send us local specialties from our hometown.

'寄' (to mail/send) and '特产' (specialty) are key B1 terms.

在许多传统家庭中，公婆拥有很大的发言权。

In many traditional families, parents-in-law have a significant say.

'拥有...发言权' is a formal way to say 'have a say/voice'.

如何处理好与公婆的关系是门艺术。

How to handle the relationship with parents-in-law well is an art.

'处理' (to handle/deal with) is a versatile B2 verb.

公婆虽然年纪大了，但思想并不保守。

Although my parents-in-law are old, their thinking is not conservative.

'虽然...但' (although... but) is a standard concession structure.

她觉得和公婆住在一起有些不自在。

She feels a bit uncomfortable living with her parents-in-law.

'不自在' means 'uncomfortable' in a social or psychological sense.

公婆的到来打乱了我们的生活节奏。

The arrival of my parents-in-law disrupted our rhythm of life.

'打乱' (to disrupt) and '节奏' (rhythm) are sophisticated terms.

我们要充分尊重公婆的生活习惯。

We must fully respect the living habits of our parents-in-law.

'充分' (fully) and '尊重' (respect) are formal collocations.

公婆一直以来都对我的事业非常支持。

My parents-in-law have always been very supportive of my career.

'一直以来' (all along) is a temporal phrase for continuous states.

很多矛盾其实都源于对公婆的误解。

Many conflicts actually stem from misunderstandings of one's parents-in-law.

'源于' (originate from) is a formal verb used in analysis.

赡养公婆不仅是道德义务，也是法律责任。

Supporting one's parents-in-law is not only a moral obligation but also a legal responsibility.

'不仅...也是' (not only... but also) with formal nouns like '义务' and '责任'.

公婆在家庭决策中往往起到关键的调和作用。

Parents-in-law often play a key mediating role in family decision-making.

'起到...作用' (to play a role) is a common C1 academic structure.

她对公婆的孝心在邻里间传为佳话。

Her filial piety toward her parents-in-law has become a well-known story among the neighbors.

'传为佳话' is an idiomatic expression for a story that is praised by many.

由于文化差异，她很难理解公婆的一些传统观念。

Due to cultural differences, it is hard for her to understand some of her parents-in-law's traditional concepts.

'由于' (due to) starts a formal cause-and-effect sentence.

公婆的言传身教对孙辈的成长有着深远影响。

The parents-in-law's teaching by word and example has a profound influence on the grandchildren's growth.

'言传身教' (teaching by word and deed) is a high-level idiom.

妥善安置公婆的晚年生活是家庭和谐的基石。

Properly arranging the parents-in-law's later life is the cornerstone of family harmony.

'妥善' (properly) and '基石' (cornerstone) are very formal.

在古代，公婆对儿媳有着绝对的支配权。

In ancient times, parents-in-law had absolute power of dominance over their daughters-in-law.

'支配权' (power of dominance) is a sociological term.

她试图在维持自我空间与照顾公婆之间寻找平衡。

She tries to find a balance between maintaining her own space and taking care of her parents-in-law.

'维持' (maintain) and '寻找平衡' (find balance) are complex verb phrases.

公婆之于儿媳，既是长辈，亦是某种程度上的家主。

To a daughter-in-law, parents-in-law are both elders and, to some extent, the heads of the household.

'之于' (to/for) and '亦' (also) are literary/archaic markers.

纵观历史，公婆在宗族体系中的地位不可撼动。

Throughout history, the status of parents-in-law in the clan system has been unshakable.

'纵观' (looking back through) and '不可撼动' (unshakable) are highly formal.

她笔下的公婆形象刻画得入木三分，展现了人性的复杂。

The portrayal of parents-in-law in her writing is profound and vivid, revealing the complexity of human nature.

'入木三分' (profound/vivid) is a high-level idiom for artistic portrayal.

公婆与儿媳的博弈，实则是传统与现代价值观的碰撞。

The game between parents-in-law and the daughter-in-law is, in fact, a clash between traditional and modern values.

'博弈' (game/struggle) and '碰撞' (clash) are metaphorical C2 terms.

即便公婆已然辞世，其留下的家风依然影响着后代。

Even though the parents-in-law have already passed away, the family traditions they left behind still influence future generations.

'辞世' (to pass away) is an extremely formal euphemism.

在处理公婆赡养纠纷时，法院需兼顾法理与情理。

When handling disputes over the support of parents-in-law, the court must balance legal principles and human emotions.

'兼顾' (give consideration to both) and '法理/情理' are legal terms.

公婆的权威在现代核心家庭中正经历着前所未有的解构。

The authority of parents-in-law is undergoing an unprecedented deconstruction in modern nuclear families.

'前所未有' (unprecedented) and '解构' (deconstruction) are academic terms.

她对公婆的敬意并非出于盲从，而是源于深厚的感念。

Her respect for her parents-in-law does not stem from blind obedience, but from a deep sense of gratitude.

'盲从' (blind obedience) and '感念' (gratitude/remembrance) are nuanced nouns.

Synonyms

公公婆婆翁姑家公家婆长辈亲家姻亲老人爸妈

Antonyms

岳父母儿女晚辈儿媳

Common Collocations

孝顺公婆

照顾公婆

公婆关系

看望公婆

公婆家

公婆的意见

公婆住在一起

公婆的身体

公婆的退休金

公婆的帮助

Common Phrases

公婆俩

— The two of them (the parents-in-law). Used to refer to them as a couple.

公婆俩经常一起去散步。

公婆关系融洽

— The relationship with the parents-in-law is harmonious. A common goal for many wives.

公婆关系融洽是家庭幸福的基础。

公婆帮带娃

— Parents-in-law helping to raise the child. A major social trend in modern China.

公婆帮带娃减轻了我们的负担。

公婆的嘱托

— The instructions or wishes of the parents-in-law.

我时刻记着公婆的嘱托。

公婆的偏爱

— The favoritism of the parents-in-law.

她得到了公婆的偏爱。

公婆的面子

— The 'face' or social standing of the parents-in-law.

做事要顾及公婆的面子。

公婆的故乡

— The hometown of the parents-in-law.

我们打算回公婆的故乡看看。

公婆的遗产

— The inheritance from the parents-in-law.

公婆的遗产分配得很公平。

公婆的训诫

— The admonition or lecture from the parents-in-law.

她虚心接受公婆的训诫。

公婆的关爱

— The care and love from the parents-in-law.

我感受到了公婆的关爱。

Often Confused With

公婆 vs 岳父母

Refers to the wife's parents. Men use this term.

公婆 vs 祖父母

Refers to paternal grandparents. This is the relationship to the grandchildren, not the wife.

公婆 vs 亲家

Refers to the relationship between the two sets of parents.

Idioms & Expressions

"公婆自有公婆理"

— Each side (the father-in-law and mother-in-law) has their own reasons or arguments. Used when elders disagree.

他们吵架了，真是公婆自有公婆理。

Informal

"事奉翁姑"

— To serve one's parents-in-law. A traditional phrase for filial duty.

她多年来悉心事奉翁姑。

Formal

"婆媳不和"

— Conflict between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. Related to the 'Po' in Gongpo.

婆媳不和会导致家庭破裂。

Neutral

"三从四德"

— Traditional virtues for women, including obeying the husband's family.

现代女性不再追求三从四德。

Historical

"老有所依"

— The elderly having someone to rely on. Often refers to the care provided to Gongpo.

让公婆老有所依是我们的责任。

Formal

"含饴弄孙"

— The elderly enjoying their grandchildren. The ideal state for Gongpo.

公婆现在就在家含饴弄孙。

Literary

"孝子贤孙"

— Filial children and virtuous grandchildren.

他们家真是孝子贤孙，公婆很幸福。

Idiomatic

"门当户对"

— A marriage between families of equal social status. Important for Gongpo's approval.

公婆认为他们并不门当户对。

Neutral

"天伦之乐"

— Family happiness. Often involves spending time with Gongpo.

全家人聚在一起，共享天伦之乐。

Literary

"养老送终"

— To look after one's parents until they pass away.

儿媳也要为公婆养老送终。

Traditional

Easily Confused

公婆 vs 婆婆

It is part of '公婆' but refers only to the female.

'公婆' is both parents; '婆婆' is only the mother-in-law.

我婆婆人很好，但我公公很严厉。

公婆 vs 外公外婆

Contains the character '婆'.

These are maternal grandparents (wife's parents from the child's perspective).

孩子喜欢外公外婆。

公婆 vs 老人家

A polite way to refer to elders.

'老人家' is a general polite term; '公婆' is a specific kinship term.

这两位老人家就是我的公婆。

公婆 vs 家主

Refers to the head of the house.

'家主' is a role; '公婆' is a kinship relation.

在过去，公公是家主。

公婆 vs 长辈

General term for elders.

'长辈' includes all elders; '公婆' is specific to the husband's parents.

公婆是我们最重要的长辈。

Sentence Patterns

这是[Possessive]公婆。

这是她的公婆。

[Subject]和公婆住在一起。

小王和公婆住在一起。

[Subject]对公婆很[Adjective]。

她对公婆很孝顺。

[Subject]要去[Location]看望公婆。

我们要去北京看望公婆。

[Subject]帮[Object]照顾公婆。

保姆帮她照顾公婆。

虽然...但[Subject]和公婆的关系...

虽然住得远，但她和公婆的关系很好。

[Subject]承担起赡养公婆的责任。

她独自承担起赡养公婆的责任。

[Abstract Noun]源于对公婆的[Abstract Noun]。

这种敬意源于对公婆的感激。

Word Family

Nouns

公公 (gōnggong) - Father-in-law

婆婆 (pópo) - Mother-in-law

婆家 (pójia) - Husband's family/home

儿媳 (érxí) - Daughter-in-law

Verbs

孝顺 (xiàoshùn) - To be filial

赡养 (shànyǎng) - To support/provide for

Adjectives

慈祥 (cíxiáng) - Kindly (of elders)

严厉 (yánlì) - Strict

岳父母 (yuèfùmǔ)

爷爷 (yéye)

奶奶 (nǎinai)

家主 (jiāzhǔ)

宗族 (zōngzú)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in family-related discussions.

Common Mistakes

Using '公婆' to address them directly. → Addressing them as '爸爸' and '妈妈'.
'公婆' is a term of reference, not a term of address. Using it directly sounds cold and distant.
A man calling his wife's parents '公婆'. → Using '岳父母'.
Kinship terms are gender-specific based on the speaker's relationship.
Adding '们' to make it plural (公婆们). → Just '公婆'.
The term is already a collective noun representing two people.
Confusing '公婆' with '爷爷奶奶'. → Use '公婆' for the wife's relationship, '爷爷奶奶' for the children's.
Kinship terms change based on who the 'ego' (center of the relationship) is.
Using '公婆' for a single parent-in-law. → Use '公公' or '婆婆' individually.
'公婆' always refers to the couple.

Tips

The 'Face' Factor

When visiting your 公婆, always bring a gift. It shows respect and gives them 'face' among their neighbors.

Tone Check

Ensure the first tone in 'gōng' is high and steady. If it drops, it might be misunderstood.

Direct Address

Never call them '公婆' to their face. Use 'Dad' and 'Mom' to build a better relationship.

Plural Redundancy

Don't add '们'. '公婆' is already a pair.

Drama Watching

Watch Chinese 'Family Dramas' to hear how '公婆' is used in emotional contexts.

Character Meaning

Remember '公' as the patriarch and '婆' as the matriarch.

Southern Variations

If you are in Hong Kong, expect to hear '家公家婆' instead.

Responsibility

In China, caring for '公婆' is often seen as a shared duty between the husband and wife.

Formal Contexts

Use '公婆' in essays about traditional Chinese values.

The Gong and the Po

Visualize a lady (Po) hitting a Gong to remember the word.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Gong' (the instrument) being played by a 'Po' (an old woman). The 'Gong' represents the father-in-law and the 'Po' represents the mother-in-law. Together, they are the 'Gong-Po' who rule the husband's house.

Visual Association

Imagine a traditional Chinese wedding where the bride is bowing to an older couple. The couple is labeled 'Gong' (the man) and 'Po' (the woman).

Word Web

Husband's Parents Filial Piety Childcare Spring Festival Patriarchy Family Drama Elderly Care Tradition

Challenge

Try to describe three things your (real or imaginary) '公婆' like to do using the pattern '公婆喜欢...'.

Word Origin

The term is a compound of '公' (gōng) and '婆' (pó). '公' historically denoted a man of high status or a patriarch, while '婆' evolved from terms for 'old woman' or 'grandmother'.

Original meaning: The high-ranking male and the elder female of the husband's household.

Sino-Tibetan (Mandarin Chinese)

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing '公婆' with Chinese friends; it is a private family matter. Avoid criticizing them unless the friend complains first.

In Western cultures, 'in-laws' are often seen as separate from the core family unit. In China, '公婆' are considered 'inner' family members for the wife.

The TV drama '双面胶' (Double-Sided Tape) which explores intense conflicts with '公婆'. Classic novel '孔雀东南飞' (The Peacocks Fly Southeast) which depicts a tragic story caused by a strict mother-in-law.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Family Gatherings

给公婆敬酒 (To toast the in-laws)
陪公婆聊天 (To chat with the in-laws)
公婆辛苦了 (You have worked hard, in-laws)
公婆身体健朗 (In-laws are in good health)

Living Arrangements

和公婆同住 (To live with in-laws)
给公婆买房 (To buy a house for in-laws)
接公婆过来 (To bring in-laws over)
公婆有自己的空间 (In-laws have their own space)

Childcare

公婆带孩子 (In-laws raising the child)
公婆的育儿观 (In-laws' parenting views)
感谢公婆的付出 (Thank the in-laws for their contribution)
公婆宠爱孙子 (In-laws dote on the grandson)

Holidays

回公婆家过年 (Go to in-laws' for New Year)
给公婆送红包 (Give red envelopes to in-laws)
公婆准备的年夜饭 (New Year dinner prepared by in-laws)
陪公婆旅游 (Go traveling with in-laws)

Legal/Formal

赡养公婆 (Supporting parents-in-law)
公婆的继承权 (Inheritance rights of in-laws)
公婆的意愿 (The will/wishes of in-laws)
公婆的户口 (The household registration of in-laws)

Conversation Starters

"你和你公婆住在一起吗？ (Do you live with your parents-in-law?)"

"你公婆退休以前是做什么工作的？ (What did your parents-in-law do before they retired?)"

"过年你打算去公婆家还是回你自己家？ (Do you plan to go to your in-laws' or your own home for New Year?)"

"你公婆平时帮你们带孩子吗？ (Do your parents-in-law usually help you with the kids?)"

"你觉得和公婆相处最难的是什么？ (What do you think is the hardest part of getting along with in-laws?)"

Journal Prompts

写一写你第一次见公婆时的感受。 (Write about how you felt when you met your parents-in-law for the first time.)

你认为现代女性应该如何处理好公婆关系？ (How do you think modern women should handle the relationship with in-laws?)

描述一下你公婆的性格特点。 (Describe the personality traits of your parents-in-law.)

如果公婆想和你们长住，你会怎么想？ (What would you think if your in-laws wanted to live with you long-term?)

公婆对你的生活方式有哪些影响？ (What influences do your in-laws have on your lifestyle?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Generally, no. A man should use '岳父母' (yuèfùmǔ) to refer to his wife's parents. '公婆' is specifically for the husband's parents from the wife's perspective.

In modern China, most daughters-in-law address them as '爸爸' (Bàba) and '妈妈' (Māma). In some regions, '公公' and '婆婆' are also used.

It is a standard term that works in both formal writing (like law) and neutral conversation. For very informal gossip, people might say '公公婆婆'.

Chinese culture places heavy emphasis on kinship hierarchy and whether a relative is from the paternal or maternal side. This clarity is reflected in having different terms like '公婆' and '岳父母'.

No, '公婆' only refers to the parents. Siblings have their own specific terms, like '大伯' (husband's older brother) or '小姑子' (husband's younger sister).

It refers to the relationship between the mother-in-law (婆) and the daughter-in-law (媳). It is a central part of '公婆' dynamics.

No. For your own parents, you use '父母' (fùmǔ) or '爸妈' (bàma).

Yes, '公婆' is standard in Taiwan as well, though you might also hear '外省' or local dialect variations.

You would generally refer to the ones who raised him or the ones you are currently interacting with as '公婆', or specify with '继公婆'.

Not at all. While family structures are changing, the term remains the standard way to identify these relatives.