Meanings of 嫂子
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Podcast: 嫂子
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AI Study Notes for 嫂子
嫂子 (sǎozi) vs 姐夫 (jiěfu): use 嫂子 when referring to an older brother's wife, while 姐夫 refers to an older sister's husband.
It's important to use 嫂子 in the right familial context; using it with younger siblings or for other relatives may lead to confusion. It is informal and commonly used among family and friends. Be cautious with tones: mispronouncing 嫂 (sǎo) can change the meaning entirely.
As an HSK 6 word, 嫂子 connects with family-related vocabulary, such as 兄弟 (xiōng dì, brothers) and 姐妹 (jiě mèi, sisters). Students should focus on contextual usage and pronunciation to ensure clarity in conversations about family.
Learners often confuse 嫂子 with 弟媳 (dì xí), which means 'younger brother's wife.' A common mistake is saying '弟媳子' when referring to one's sister-in-law, which is incorrect. The correct term is simply 嫂子 for an older brother's wife.
Pronunciation of 嫂子
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Component Characters
How to say sister-in-law in Chinese
“sister-in-law” in Chinese is嫂子
嫂子 (sǎo zi) refers specifically to one's older brother's wife, also known as a sister-in-law. This term is commonly used in familial contexts and can imply a level of respect and familiarity, as it denotes a close family relationship.
When to use 嫂子
It's important to use 嫂子 in the right familial context; using it with younger siblings or for other relatives may lead to confusion. It is informal and commonly used among family and friends. Be cautious with tones: mispronouncing 嫂 (sǎo) can change the meaning entirely.
嫂子 or something close to it
嫂子 (sǎozi) vs 姐夫 (jiěfu): use 嫂子 when referring to an older brother's wife, while 姐夫 refers to an older sister's husband.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 嫂子 with 弟媳 (dì xí), which means 'younger brother's wife.' A common mistake is saying '弟媳子' when referring to one's sister-in-law, which is incorrect. The correct term is simply 嫂子 for an older brother's wife.
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Practice writing 嫂子 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 嫂子
嫂子 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 2 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.
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Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
虎妞一把将他扯过去, 好像老 ____ 疼爱小叔那样.
Tigress pulled him over, rather like an affectionate elder sister - in - law .
Example Sentences for 嫂子 (1)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 嫂子
No, 嫂子 specifically refers to the wife of an older brother. For a younger brother's wife, you would use 弟媳 (dì xí).
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