Family Members in Mandarin Chinese

Chinese family tree is really, really complicated. When it comes to addressing family members and relatives, Chinese people need to consider their generation, gender, age, paternal or maternal bloodline and relationship by marriage, birth or adoption etc. That’s why we have eight different ways to say “cousin”.

To be honest, I can’t remember every correct kinship terms so I have to go through a “rehearsal” with my parents before any big reunion.

Here’s the basics of “Chinese family members”.

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