Meanings of 家属
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About 家属
Podcast: 家属
Podcast: 家属
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AI Study Notes for 家属
亲属 (qīnshǔ) refers to relatives by blood or marriage, while 家属 (jiāshǔ) specifically denotes family members living in the same household.
家属 is generally used in formal situations, so avoid using it in casual conversations about family. Common collocations include '家属名单' (list of family members) and '家属陪护' (family member accompanying). Be careful with the tone; the first syllable is high-level (first tone) and the second syllable is falling (third tone).
As an HSK 6 word, 家属 connects to other family-related terms like 家庭 (family) and 亲属 (relatives). Students should focus on differentiating this term from more casual references to family and practice using it in formal contexts.
Learners often confuse 家属 with 亲属 (qīnshǔ), which means relatives more broadly. For instance, saying '我有很多家属' (I have many relatives) is incorrect; use '亲属' for that context instead.
Pronunciation of 家属
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Component Characters
How to say family member in Chinese
“family member” in Chinese is家属
家属 (jiāshǔ) refers to family members or dependents within a household. It is often used in formal contexts, such as legal documents, healthcare, and discussions about social benefits, to denote individuals who are part of a family unit and rely on the head of the household for support.
When to use 家属
家属 is generally used in formal situations, so avoid using it in casual conversations about family. Common collocations include '家属名单' (list of family members) and '家属陪护' (family member accompanying). Be careful with the tone; the first syllable is high-level (first tone) and the second syllable is falling (third tone).
家属 or something close to it
亲属 (qīnshǔ) refers to relatives by blood or marriage, while 家属 (jiāshǔ) specifically denotes family members living in the same household.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 家属 with 亲属 (qīnshǔ), which means relatives more broadly. For instance, saying '我有很多家属' (I have many relatives) is incorrect; use '亲属' for that context instead.
Write 家属
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Practice writing 家属 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 家属
家属 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.
Complete the Sentence
这些公共汽车将载着____北上去探监。
These buses will carry families upstate to visit relatives in prison.
Example Sentences for 家属 (3)
Cultural Notes for 家属
In Western cultures, the term 'dependents' often refers to children or spouses for tax purposes, while in Chinese culture, it can extend to elderly parents and other relatives, reflecting a broader family responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions about 家属
No, 家属 is more appropriate in formal contexts, like legal or medical discussions.
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