嫂 (sǎo) - Sister-in-law — refers to the wife of one's & also used more broadly for elder brother's wife

嫂Tone 3

sǎo ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

三姗

嫂 · sǎo

Sister-in-law — refers to the wife of one's elder brother;

also used more broadly for elder brother's wife or older married woman.

Sister-in-law — refers to the wife of one'salso used more broadly for elder brother's wife

Usage highlights

SisterElder brother's wifeRespect for sisterAuntWife of father's younger brotherEldest sister

Synonyms

  • 嫂子— sister-in-law (elder brother's wife)
  • 兄嫂— elder brother and his wife

Antonyms

  • 弟媳— younger brother's wife
  • 叔嫂— younger brother and his wife (in relation to elder brother)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • My elder brother's wife is my sister-in-law (嫂子).
  • She helps her sister-in-law with household chores (帮嫂嫂做家务).
  • In traditional families, the sister-in-law often has authority (长嫂如母).
  • He respects his elder brother's wife (尊敬嫂嫂).

Collocations

  • Sister-in-law(嫂子)
  • Elder brother's wife(兄嫂)
  • Respect for sister-in-law(敬嫂)
  • Sister-in-law and mother-in-law(婆嫂)
  • Aunt (in some dialects)(阿嫂)
  • Wife of father's younger brother(叔嫂)

Idioms

  • The elder brother's wife is like a mother(长嫂如母)
  • Three aunts and six sisters-in-law(三姑六嫂)
  • Brothers harmonious, sisters-in-law respectful(兄友弟恭，嫂敬婶和)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese family structure, the elder brother's wife (嫂) often held a position of respect and authority within the household.
  • The concept of '长嫂如母' (elder brother's wife is like a mother) reflects the important role the sister-in-law played in raising younger siblings.
  • The relationship between sisters-in-law (妯娌) was considered crucial for family harmony in extended family households.

FAQ