姪 (zhí) - Nephew — specifically refers to a brother's son & in extended usage, can refer to a brother's

姪Tone 2

zhí ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical:

丈志

姪 · zhí

Nephew — specifically refers to a brother's son;

in extended usage, can refer to a brother's children in general.

Nephew — specifically refers to a brother's sonin extended usage, can refer to a brother's

Usage highlights

NephewPaternal nephewNieceBrother's sonNephew and nieceNephew's wife

Synonyms

  • 侄子— nephew (simplified form)
  • 姪子— nephew (traditional form)
  • 姪儿— nephew (affectionate form)

Antonyms

  • 伯— paternal uncle (elder brother of father)
  • 叔— paternal uncle (younger brother of father)
  • 舅— maternal uncle

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • My brother's son is my nephew (姪子).
  • She has two nephews and one niece (姪女).
  • He is my paternal nephew (姪儿).
  • I bought a gift for my nephew (姪子).

Collocations

  • Nephew(姪子)
  • Paternal nephew(姪儿)
  • Niece(姪女)
  • Brother's son(兄弟之子)
  • Nephew and niece(姪輩)
  • Nephew's wife(姪媳)

Idioms

  • From son and nephew(從子從姪)
  • Treat nephew like a son(視姪如子)
  • Nephew follows uncle(姪隨叔行)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese kinship systems, 姪 specifically refers to a brother's son, distinguishing from other male relatives.
  • The character reflects the patrilineal emphasis in traditional Chinese family structures.
  • In modern usage, 姪子 is the most common term for nephew, while 姪女 specifically means niece.

FAQ