阿姨
āyí
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.
What does 阿姨 (āyí) mean?
阿姨 (āyí) means “aunt” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “auntie / maternal aunt.”
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gūgupaternal aunt (father's sister)
- 姨妈yímāmother's older sister
- 婶婶shěnshenpaternal uncle's wife (father's younger brother's wife)
Examples
阿姨，请问洗手间在哪里？
āyí, qǐngwèn xǐshǒujiān zài nǎli?
Auntie, may I ask where the restroom is? (Addressing a non-relative)
我阿姨明天要来我家。
wǒ āyí míngtiān yào lái wǒ jiā.
My aunt (mother's younger sister) is coming to my house tomorrow.
我的姑姑住在北京。
wǒde gūgu zhù zài Běijīng.
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
姐姐 · China sister brother好朋友 · Best friend最好的朋友 · Best friends
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