表亲 / 堂亲
biǎo qīn / táng qīn
Cousin · trad. 表親 / 堂親
In Mandarin Chinese, there isn't a single word for "cousin" like in English. Instead, cousins are distinguished by their gender, whether they are older or younger than you, and whether they are from your father's side (堂, táng) or mother's side (表, biǎo). 表亲 (biǎo qīn) refers to maternal cousins or paternal aunt's children, while 堂亲 (táng qīn) refers to paternal uncle's children.
When to use it
These general terms (表亲 / 堂亲) are neutral and can be used to broadly categorize cousins. However, when referring to an individual cousin, you must use the specific term that includes their gender, age, and family side (e.g., 表哥, 堂妹).
How to pronounce it
For example, 表亲 (biǎo qīn) sounds like "bee-OW CHEEN." 表 (biǎo) is a third tone, falling then rising, and 亲 (qīn) is a first tone, high and flat.
Other ways to say it
- 表哥biǎo gēolder male maternal/other cousin
- 堂妹táng mèiyounger female paternal cousin
- 堂兄弟姐妹táng xiōng dì jiě mèipaternal cousins (general group)
Examples
我有一个表哥在北京工作。
wǒ yǒu yí gè biǎo gē zài běi jīng gōng zuò 。
I have an older maternal cousin who works in Beijing.
她的堂妹今年上大学。
tā de táng mèi jīn nián shàng dà xué 。
Her younger paternal cousin is starting university this year.
我们家有很多表亲和堂亲。
wǒ men jiā yǒu hěn duō biǎo qīn hé táng qīn 。
Our family has many maternal and paternal cousins.
Pro tip: The most important distinction is between 堂 (táng) for paternal uncle's children and 表 (biǎo) for all other cousins (maternal side or paternal aunt's children). Always specify gender and age relative to yourself.
Related phrases
和平 · Peace钱 · Money闭嘴 · Shut up
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