外甥

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Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word 外甥 (wàisheng) specifically refers to the son of one's sister, i.e., a nephew on the maternal side. It is a kinship term used in family contexts.

Common Contexts

You will often hear 外甥 used when talking about family relationships, especially when distinguishing between nephews from the mother's side (外甥) and the father's side (侄子).

Collocations and Patterns

  • 外甥 (wàishengr): a colloquial form often used in northern China.
  • 外甥 (wǒ de wàisheng): my nephew (maternal).

Usage Notes

外甥 is always male and specifically refers to the sister's son. Do not confuse it with 侄子 (zhízi), which means nephew on the father's side. When speaking, specifying 外甥 clarifies the maternal relationship.

Common Confusion

Many learners confuse 外甥 with 侄子. Remember 外甥 is sister's son; 侄子 is brother's son.

Example Sentences

My nephew just started first grade in elementary school this year.

My nephew came to my house to play, and we went to the park together.

He is my older sister's son, that is, my nephew.