Meaning and Usage
"姪" (めい) specifically means "niece," referring to the daughter of one's sibling. It is a common family term used in everyday conversation and formal contexts alike.
Common Collocations
- 姪っ子 (めいっこ): a more casual or affectionate way to say niece.
- 姪に会う: to meet one's niece.
- 姪の誕生日: niece's birthday.
Usage Notes
When using "姪," the speaker usually implies a blood relation through siblings. It is polite and neutral in tone, suitable for both casual and formal speech. Avoid confusing "姪" with "甥" (おい), which means nephew.
Typical Contexts
You will often hear "姪" in family conversations, when talking about relatives, or when describing family events. It is less common in very casual speech where "姪っ子" might be preferred for a warmer tone.