Meanings of 姑姑
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Podcast: 姑姑
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AI Study Notes for 姑姑
表姑 (biǎogū) - use 姑姑 for paternal aunts, while 表姑 refers specifically to maternal aunts.
A common mistake is to confuse 姑姑 (gūgu) with other family terms like 阿姨 (āyí), which means 'aunt' but refers to a maternal aunt or a more general term for a woman of a similar age. In informal conversations, you may also hear just '姑' (gū) used among close family members. Always use the full term when speaking formally or introducing someone to ensure clarity.
As an HSK Level 5 word, 姑姑 connects to other family-related vocabulary and terms of address. Focus on how to use it in sentences, such as introducing your aunt or talking about family gatherings, to enhance your conversational skills.
Learners often confuse 姑姑 (gūgu) with other terms for 'aunt,' like 阿姨 (āyí). A wrong example would be saying '我阿姨来' (Wǒ āyí lái) when referring to a paternal aunt, which should be '我姑姑来' (Wǒ gūgu lái).
Pronunciation of 姑姑
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Component Characters
How to say paternal aunt in Chinese
“paternal aunt” in Chinese is姑姑
姑姑 (gūgu) refers to one's paternal aunt, specifically the sister of one's father. This term is commonly used in family contexts to address or refer to this relative, emphasizing the familial bond. In Chinese culture, family relationships are very important, and terms like 姑姑 highlight the specific roles of relatives.
When to use 姑姑
A common mistake is to confuse 姑姑 (gūgu) with other family terms like 阿姨 (āyí), which means 'aunt' but refers to a maternal aunt or a more general term for a woman of a similar age. In informal conversations, you may also hear just '姑' (gū) used among close family members. Always use the full term when speaking formally or introducing someone to ensure clarity.
姑姑 or something close to it
表姑 (biǎogū) - use 姑姑 for paternal aunts, while 表姑 refers specifically to maternal aunts.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 姑姑 (gūgu) with other terms for 'aunt,' like 阿姨 (āyí). A wrong example would be saying '我阿姨来' (Wǒ āyí lái) when referring to a paternal aunt, which should be '我姑姑来' (Wǒ gūgu lái).
Write 姑姑
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Practice writing 姑姑 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 姑姑
姑姑 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
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小萨利用了她____的名字, 她咯咯地笑着,拉着富兰克林的白色假发.
Baby Sally, named for her aunt, gurgled and pulled at Franklin's white wig.
Example Sentences for 姑姑 (2)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 姑姑
The first syllable is pronounced with a high level tone (gū), and the second syllable is pronounced with a falling tone (gu).
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