A1 Collocation 中性 4分钟阅读

family member

Relative

15秒了解

  • Anyone belonging to your family circle.
  • Includes parents, siblings, cousins, etc.
  • General term, less specific than 'uncle'.
  • Works in casual and formal settings.

意思

「`家庭成员`」基本上是你部落、血亲或选定的亲戚中的任何人。想想父母、兄弟姐妹、姑姑、叔叔、表亲——整个团队!这是一个温暖、包容的词,涵盖了你认为是家人的一切,无论是通过出生还是通过联系。它感觉舒适而熟悉,就像文字形式的团体拥抱一样。

关键例句

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1

Texting a friend

Hey! My sister is visiting next week, she's my favorite family member!

Hey! My sister is visiting next week, she's my favorite family member!

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>
2

Job interview

Yes, I have a few family members who work in the tech industry.

Yes, I have a few family members who work in the tech industry.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>
3

Filling out a form

Please list at least one emergency contact: family member.

Please list at least one emergency contact: family member.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>
🌍

文化背景

In the US, 'family member' is often used in legal and insurance contexts. It is also used to emphasize that someone is 'like family' even if not related. In Japan, the concept of family is very strong, and the term 'family member' is often used to describe the close-knit nature of the household. In many Middle Eastern cultures, the term 'family member' extends to a very wide circle of relatives, including distant cousins and family friends. In Latin American cultures, family is central, and the term 'family member' is used with great warmth and frequency.

💡

Keep it simple

Don't overthink it. 'Family member' is the most natural way to say it.

⚠️

Avoid 'member of family'

It sounds unnatural to native speakers. Stick to 'family member'.

15秒了解

  • Anyone belonging to your family circle.
  • Includes parents, siblings, cousins, etc.
  • General term, less specific than 'uncle'.
  • Works in casual and formal settings.

What It Means

This phrase is your go-to for talking about anyone connected to you by family ties. It’s a broad, friendly term that includes parents, siblings, cousins, aunts, and uncles. It’s like saying ‘my people’ in a more formal way. You use it when you want to mention someone from your family without getting into specific relationship details. It’s super common in everyday chats and even in more official settings.

How To Use It

Just pop it into a sentence where you'd normally talk about a relative. For example, 'My sister is my closest family member.' Or, 'Do you have any family members living abroad?' It works in questions and statements. You can say 'a family member' or 'my family members' if you're talking about more than one. It’s versatile like a chameleon on a rainbow!

Real-Life Examples

Imagine you're filling out a form for a new doctor. You might see a field asking for 'Emergency contact: family member'. Or maybe you're chatting with a new friend and say, 'My mom is visiting next week; she’s my favorite family member.' On social media, someone might post, 'So grateful for my family members who always support me!' It’s everywhere!

When To Use It

Use family member when you want to be general about your relatives. It's perfect for casual chats with friends, discussing your background in a job interview, or even in official documents. It’s a safe bet when you don't need to specify the exact relationship. Think of it as the default setting for talking about your kin.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid family member if you need to be very specific. If you're telling a story where the exact relationship matters – like 'My uncle gave me this watch' – just say 'uncle'. Also, it's not typically used for pets, even though we love them like family! Your cat is probably not considered a family member in the human sense, sadly. So, no, Fluffy doesn't count for the emergency contact form.

Common Mistakes

Sometimes people mix up family member with just family. You wouldn't say 'My sister is my family.' It sounds a bit odd, right? You'd say 'My sister is part of my family.' Also, confusing it with relative can happen, but family member often feels a bit warmer and more personal. It's like the difference between knowing someone's name and knowing their favorite ice cream flavor.

My sister is my family. My sister is part of my family.
I have three family members. I have three family members living with me.

Similar Expressions

Relative is a close cousin, but family member often feels a bit more intimate. Kin is a bit more old-fashioned but means the same thing. Loved one is broader and can include close friends who feel like family. Household member refers to people living in the same house, which might overlap but isn't the same.

Common Variations

Sometimes you'll hear family members (plural). You can also say 'close family member' to emphasize the importance of the relationship. People might also say 'immediate family member' to refer only to parents and siblings. It’s like zooming in on the core group!

Memory Trick

💡

Think of a family member as someone who is part of your FAMILY tree, and they are a MEMBER of that tree. Picture a big, sprawling tree with lots of branches, and each person on it is a family member. If they’re not on the tree, they’re not a family member (sorry, best friend!).

Quick FAQ

Q. Is my spouse a family member?

A. Absolutely! Your spouse is definitely a family member. They are a core part of your immediate family unit. It's one of the most important relationships covered by this term.

Q. Can I call my pet a family member?

A. While we love our pets dearly and they are part of the family emotionally, technically, family member usually refers to humans. You might say 'my pet is like a family member,' but it's not the standard definition.

Q. What's the difference between family member and relative?

A. Family member often implies a closer, more emotional bond, while relative is a more general, technical term for anyone connected by blood or marriage. You'd use family member when talking about your core group, like parents and siblings.

使用说明

The phrase `family member` is highly versatile, fitting comfortably in casual chats, professional contexts, and official forms. While generally neutral, it can feel slightly warmer than the term `relative`. Be mindful of using the plural form `family members` when referring to more than one person, and avoid using it for pets in formal situations.

💡

Keep it simple

Don't overthink it. 'Family member' is the most natural way to say it.

⚠️

Avoid 'member of family'

It sounds unnatural to native speakers. Stick to 'family member'.

🎯

Use it for pets

It's a very sweet way to talk about your pets!

💬

Cultural nuance

Remember that 'family member' can mean different things in different cultures.

例句

12
#1 Texting a friend
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Hey! My sister is visiting next week, she's my favorite family member!

Hey! My sister is visiting next week, she's my favorite family member!

Used casually to refer to a sibling within the family unit.

#2 Job interview
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Yes, I have a few family members who work in the tech industry.

Yes, I have a few family members who work in the tech industry.

Used professionally to discuss familial connections without oversharing.

#3 Filling out a form
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Please list at least one emergency contact: family member.

Please list at least one emergency contact: family member.

Standard phrasing in official contexts for identifying kin.

#4 Instagram caption
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M4.318 6.318a4.5 4.5 0 000 6.364L12 20.364l7.682-7.682a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364-6.364L12 7.636l-1.318-1.318a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364 0z"/></svg>

So lucky to have these amazing family members in my life! ❤️

So lucky to have these amazing family members in my life! ❤️

Expresses gratitude and affection towards relatives.

#5 Talking about relatives
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

My cousins are like my second family; they're definitely my closest family members.

My cousins are like my second family; they're definitely my closest family members.

Emphasizes closeness within the broader family group.

#6 Humorous anecdote
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

My uncle tried to teach me to cook, but let's just say he's not my best family member in the kitchen.

My uncle tried to teach me to cook, but let's just say he's not my best family member in the kitchen.

Lighthearted jab at a relative's skill.

Mistake: Overly general 常见错误
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

✗ My dog is my family member. → ✓ My dog is like a family member.

✗ My dog is my family member. → ✓ My dog is like a family member.

Pets are usually not considered literal 'family members' in the human sense.

Mistake: Using wrong word 常见错误
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

✗ I need to call my household member. → ✓ I need to call my family member.

✗ I need to call my household member. → ✓ I need to call my family member.

`Household member` refers to someone living with you, not necessarily related.

#9 Discussing genealogy
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

I'm trying to trace my family tree back five generations; finding each new family member is exciting.

I'm trying to trace my family tree back five generations; finding each new family member is exciting.

Used in the context of researching ancestry and discovering relatives.

#10 Video call with friends
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Oh, that's my dad in the background, he's a family member!

Oh, that's my dad in the background, he's a family member!

Identifying a person on screen as part of the speaker's family.

#11 Formal introduction
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Allow me to introduce my aunt, a cherished family member.

Allow me to introduce my aunt, a cherished family member.

A more formal way to introduce a relative, highlighting their importance.

#12 Travel blog
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Visiting my grandparents was wonderful; they are my favorite family members to see.

Visiting my grandparents was wonderful; they are my favorite family members to see.

Expresses affection for specific relatives during a visit.

自我测试

Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.

She is a _________ of my family.

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: member

The phrase is 'family member'.

Choose the most natural sentence.

Which sentence is correct?

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: He is a family member.

'Family member' is the correct compound noun.

Match the term to its meaning.

Match 'family member' to its definition.

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: A person in a family

A family member is a person related to a family.

Complete the dialogue.

A: How many people are in your house? B: There are four _________.

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: family members

The correct plural form is 'family members'.

🎉 得分: /4

视觉学习工具

练习题库

4 练习
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase. Fill Blank A1

She is a _________ of my family.

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: member

The phrase is 'family member'.

Choose the most natural sentence. Choose A2

Which sentence is correct?

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: He is a family member.

'Family member' is the correct compound noun.

Match the term to its meaning. Match A1

将左侧的每个项目与右侧的配对匹配:

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: A person in a family

A family member is a person related to a family.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion A2

A: How many people are in your house? B: There are four _________.

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: family members

The correct plural form is 'family members'.

🎉 得分: /4

常见问题

12 个问题

Yes, it's a common way to say someone is very close to you.

It can be both formal and informal.

It is 'family members'.

They are very similar, but 'family member' is more common.

No, that is incorrect. Use 'my family member'.

Yes, in HR or insurance forms.

You can say 'I have many family members'.

Yes, a spouse is a family member.

In English, the noun that describes the type (family) comes before the noun it describes (member).

Yes, a child is a family member.

Yes, it's a very common phrase in songs about love and family.

It's pronounced 'FAM-lee'.

相关表达

🔗

Immediate family

specialized form

Parents, siblings, spouse, children.

🔗

Extended family

specialized form

Aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents.

🔗

Next of kin

similar

The closest living relative.

🔗

Chosen family

similar

Friends who are like family.

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