家庭
jiātíng
Family
家庭 (jiātíng) is the standard and most common word for "family" in Mandarin Chinese. It refers to a family unit or household, encompassing the people who live together and their relationships.
What does 家庭 (jiātíng) mean?
家庭 (jiātíng) means “family” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “home courtyard.”
When to use it
Neutral. It can be used for your own family or families in general. For "my family," you can say 我的家庭 (wǒ de jiātíng) or, more commonly and casually, 我家 (wǒ jiā). When referring specifically to "family members," use 家人 (jiārén).
How to pronounce it
Sounds like "Jyah-TING." The first syllable has a high, flat tone, and the second syllable has a rising tone.
Other ways to say it
- 家人jiārenfamily members
- 我家wǒ jiāmy family / my home (casual)
- 大家庭dà jiātíngextended family / big family
Examples
我的家庭很和睦。
wǒ de jiātíng hěn hémù.
My family is very harmonious.
他有一个幸福的家庭。
tā yǒu yí ge xìngfú de jiātíng.
He has a happy family.
我们周末会和家人一起吃饭。
wǒmen zhōumò huì hé jiāren yìqǐ chīfàn.
We will eat with family members on the weekend.
Pro tip: While 家庭 refers to the family unit or household, 家人 is used for the individual members of the family. For a more personal and casual way to say 'my family,' 我家 is often preferred over 我的家庭.
Related phrases
爸爸 · Dad妈妈 · Mom阿姨 · Aunt
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