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March 24, 2026
舅jiù(jiu4)
The character 舅 (jiù) refers to a maternal uncle, specifically your mother's brother. This term is commonly used in family contexts and carries a sense of familial respect and connection in Chinese culture.
Strokes13Radical臼Frequency#24007DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the maternal uncle plays a significant role in family hierarchy and is often regarded with affection and respect. Family gatherings frequently emphasize the importance of these relationships.
Memory Tip
Imagine a jovial uncle who wears a large hat (the character '舅' resembles a hat on top of a person). Picture him bringing gifts to your family gatherings, reminding you of the warmth and support that a maternal uncle provides.
Meanings of 舅
jiù(jiu4)
1maternal uncle
2mother's brother, uncle
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 舅
舅Simplified
13Strokes
臼Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#24007Frequency Rank
Podcast: 舅
Podcast: 舅
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AI Study Notes for 舅
Quick Contrast
舅舅 (jiùjiu) refers to the same maternal uncle but is the diminutive or affectionate form, while 舅 (jiù) is the more formal term.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a jovial uncle who wears a large hat (the character '舅' resembles a hat on top of a person). Picture him bringing gifts to your family gatherings, reminding you of the warmth and support that a maternal uncle provides.
Usage Notes
While '舅' specifically means maternal uncle, be careful not to confuse it with '叔' (shū), which refers to a paternal uncle. This term is used in both formal and informal contexts, but often in family discussions.
HSK Study Tips
Although '舅' may not be in the HSK vocabulary, it connects to other family-related terms like '母亲' (mother) and '家' (home). Focus on how family relationships are articulated in Chinese to enhance your understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the maternal uncle plays a significant role in family hierarchy and is often regarded with affection and respect. Family gatherings frequently emphasize the importance of these relationships.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '舅' with '叔' due to similar meanings. For example, saying '我的叔' (wǒ de shū) when meaning maternal uncle is incorrect; it should be '我的舅' (wǒ de jiù).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 舅
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Cultural Notes for 舅
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the maternal uncle plays a significant role in family hierarchy and is often regarded with affection and respect. Family gatherings frequently emphasize the importance of these relationships.
Word Family of 舅
Words Containing This Character7
舅舅jiùjiumother's brother
舅jiùmaternal uncle
舅妈(coll.) aunt舅媽
小舅子(coll.) wife's younger brother
舅父mother's brother
舅母aunt
大舅子(coll.) wife's older brother
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 舅舅 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 舅
舅 (jiù) refers to a maternal uncle, while 叔 (shū) refers to a paternal uncle.
You can address your maternal uncle as 舅舅 (jiùjiu) to show familiarity and affection.
Yes, the female equivalent is 姨 (yí), which refers to your maternal aunt.
