舅 (jiù) - Maternal uncle — specifically refers to one's mother's & also used more broadly for uncle figures.

舅Tone 4

jiù ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

傑君

舅 · jiù

Maternal uncle — specifically refers to one's mother's brother;

also used more broadly for uncle figures.

Maternal uncle — specifically refers to one's mother'salso used more broadly for uncle figures.

Usage highlights

Maternal uncleMother's younger brotherMother's elder brotherUncleUncle's homeBrother

Synonyms

  • 舅舅— maternal uncle (common term)
  • 娘舅— maternal uncle (regional)

Antonyms

  • 姨— maternal aunt
  • 姑— paternal aunt

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • My maternal uncle is visiting (舅舅).
  • He is my mother's younger brother (小舅).
  • The uncle-nephew relationship is important (舅甥关系).
  • She went to her uncle's house (舅家).

Collocations

  • Maternal uncle(舅舅)
  • Mother's younger brother(小舅)
  • Mother's elder brother(大舅)
  • Uncle-nephew relationship(舅甥)
  • Uncle's home(舅家)
  • Brother-in-law(妻舅)

Idioms

  • The uncle stands in for the father(舅代父职)
  • Uncle and nephew are like father and son(舅甥如父子)
  • The maternal uncle is respected(舅氏为尊)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese kinship systems, the maternal uncle (舅) holds a special position of authority and respect.
  • The maternal uncle often played important roles in family ceremonies and decisions, sometimes acting as a mediator.
  • In some regions, the maternal uncle had significant influence over nephews' education and marriage arrangements.

FAQ