阿姨
ā yí
Aunt
阿姨 (āyí) is a versatile term for "aunt" in Chinese. It specifically refers to your mother's younger sister, but it's also widely used as a respectful way to address any older woman who is not a direct relative, similar to "ma'am" or "auntie" in English.
When to use it
Neutral and polite. When addressing a relative, the specific term depends on the family side and age. For your father's sister, use 姑姑 (gūgu). For your mother's older sister, use 姨妈 (yímā). When addressing a non-relative older woman, 阿姨 is very common and appropriate.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like "AH-yee." The first syllable is a flat, high tone; the second is a rising tone.
Other ways to say it
- 姑姑gū gupaternal aunt (father's sister)
- 姨妈yí māmother's older sister
- 婶婶shěn shenpaternal uncle's wife (father's younger brother's wife)
Examples
阿姨，请问洗手间在哪里？
ā yí ， qǐng wèn xǐ shǒu jiān zài nǎ lǐ ？
Auntie, may I ask where the restroom is? (Addressing a non-relative)
我阿姨明天要来我家。
wǒ ā yí míng tiān yào lái wǒ jiā 。
My aunt (mother's younger sister) is coming to my house tomorrow.
我的姑姑住在北京。
wǒ de gū gu zhù zài běi jīng 。
My paternal aunt lives in Beijing.
Pro tip: Chinese has many specific terms for family members. While 阿姨 is a good general term for your mother's younger sister or any older woman, for other relatives, you need to use the specific kinship term to be precise.
Related phrases
和平 · Peace钱 · Money闭嘴 · Shut up
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