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March 24, 2026
外婆()wàipó(wai4po2)
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.
Frequency#4122DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the maternal grandmother often plays a significant role in a child's upbringing, sometimes living with the family. This term reflects the deep respect and affection typically shown towards maternal elders.
Memory Tip
Imagine a child running outside (外) to hug their grandmother (婆). The '外' part looks like a person stepping outside, while '婆' can remind you of a kind old lady. Together, they symbolize the loving relationship you have with your maternal grandmother.
Meanings of 外婆
wàipó(wai4po2)
1(coll.) mother's mother
2maternal grandmother
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About 外婆
外婆Simplified
Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L5AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 外婆
Podcast: 外婆
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AI Study Notes for 外婆
Quick Contrast
外公 (wàigōng) refers to one's maternal grandfather; use 外婆 when specifically talking about the grandmother.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a child running outside (外) to hug their grandmother (婆). The '外' part looks like a person stepping outside, while '婆' can remind you of a kind old lady. Together, they symbolize the loving relationship you have with your maternal grandmother.
Usage Notes
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.
HSK Study Tips
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.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the maternal grandmother often plays a significant role in a child's upbringing, sometimes living with the family. This term reflects the deep respect and affection typically shown towards maternal elders.
Common Mistakes
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'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 外婆
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Cultural Notes for 外婆
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the maternal grandmother often plays a significant role in a child's upbringing, sometimes living with the family. This term reflects the deep respect and affection typically shown towards maternal elders.
Frequently Asked Questions about 外婆
The term for paternal grandmother is 祖母 (zǔmǔ).
No, 外婆 specifically refers to the maternal grandmother; use 祖母 for the paternal grandmother.
It's best to avoid using 外婆 in formal contexts; stick to 祖母 or other formal terms when needed.
