Meanings of 外婆
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About 外婆
Podcast: 外婆
Podcast: 外婆
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AI Study Notes for 外婆
外公 (wàigōng) refers to one's maternal grandfather; use 外婆 when specifically talking about the grandmother.
When using 外婆, it's important to note that this term is informal and primarily used in spoken language. Avoid using it in formal writing or when referring to a grandmother on the paternal side, for which the term 祖母 (zǔmǔ) is more appropriate.
While 外婆 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects to familial terms that are important at beginner levels. Students should focus on related family terms and practice using them in sentences to build context.
Learners often confuse 外婆 with 祖母, using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我的外婆住在我家' (My paternal grandmother lives in my house) is incorrect; it should be '我的祖母住在我家'.
Pronunciation of 外婆
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Component Characters
How to say maternal grandmother in Chinese
“maternal grandmother” in Chinese is外婆
外婆 refers to one's maternal grandmother. It is commonly used in informal contexts when talking about family relations, especially in conversations about childhood or family gatherings. The term conveys a sense of warmth and affection associated with the grandmother figure in the family.
When to use 外婆
When using 外婆, it's important to note that this term is informal and primarily used in spoken language. Avoid using it in formal writing or when referring to a grandmother on the paternal side, for which the term 祖母 (zǔmǔ) is more appropriate.
外婆 or something close to it
外公 (wàigōng) refers to one's maternal grandfather; use 外婆 when specifically talking about the grandmother.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 外婆 with 祖母, using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我的外婆住在我家' (My paternal grandmother lives in my house) is incorrect; it should be '我的祖母住在我家'.
Write 外婆
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Frequently Asked Questions about 外婆
The term for paternal grandmother is 祖母 (zǔmǔ).
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