Meanings of 嫂
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About 嫂
Podcast: 嫂
Podcast: 嫂
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AI Study Notes for 嫂
嫂 (sǎo) vs 姐 (jiě) — use 嫂 when referring specifically to an older brother's wife, while 姐 is used for an older sister.
When using 嫂, remember it specifically refers to the wife of an older brother; it is not used for younger brothers' wives, which would be 妹 (mèi). This term is more formal and respectful, often used in family gatherings or discussions about family. Be cautious with pronunciation, as the third tone (sǎo) can be confused with other similar-sounding words.
While 嫂 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it is useful for learners at higher levels exploring family terms. Focus on the context of family relationships when studying, and compare with other kinship terms like 妈 (mā, mother) and 兄 (xiōng, brother) to grasp family dynamics.
Learners often confuse 嫂 with 妹, mistakenly using it for a younger brother's wife. For example, saying '我妹妹的嫂' (wǒ mèimei de sǎo) would be incorrect; the right term for younger brother's wife is 妹妹的嫂子 (mèimei de sǎozi).
Pronunciation of 嫂
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Etymology of 嫂
Phonosemantic compound. 女 represents the meaning and 叟 represents the sound.
woman
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 嫂
Phonosemantic compound. 女 represents the meaning and 叟 represents the sound.
- 1The meaning half女 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half叟 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaywoman
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 嫂? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
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Decomposition of 嫂
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How to say older brother's wife in Chinese
“older brother's wife” in Chinese is嫂
The character 嫂 (sǎo) refers specifically to an older brother's wife, commonly known as a sister-in-law in English. It is used primarily in family contexts to denote this particular relationship within the extended family structure. In Mandarin, it embodies a sense of respect and familial hierarchy.
When to use 嫂
When using 嫂, remember it specifically refers to the wife of an older brother; it is not used for younger brothers' wives, which would be 妹 (mèi). This term is more formal and respectful, often used in family gatherings or discussions about family. Be cautious with pronunciation, as the third tone (sǎo) can be confused with other similar-sounding words.
嫂 or something close to it
嫂 (sǎo) vs 姐 (jiě) — use 嫂 when referring specifically to an older brother's wife, while 姐 is used for an older sister.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 嫂 with 妹, mistakenly using it for a younger brother's wife. For example, saying '我妹妹的嫂' (wǒ mèimei de sǎo) would be incorrect; the right term for younger brother's wife is 妹妹的嫂子 (mèimei de sǎozi).
Write 嫂
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Practice writing 嫂 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 嫂
嫂 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
虎妞一把将他扯过去, 好像老 ____子 疼爱小叔那样.
Tigress pulled him over, rather like an affectionate elder sister - in - law .
Example Sentences for 嫂 (5)
Word Family of 嫂
Compound Meaning
What does 嫂子 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 嫂
The correct pronunciation is sǎo, with a falling-rising tone on the 'ǎo'.
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