The Complicated Chinese Family Tree

Was just reminded of this the other day. Here’s a very good (and very detailed) look at the complex Chinese family tree – with specific names for each relation. The term “grandma” doesn’t quite cut it for us, as we have specific names for your mom’s mom vs. your dad’s mom. In fact, there’s a lot of differentiation happening based on one side of the family versus another. Age is also another point of delineation, as different names apply based on whether someone is older or younger than you.

I know a handful of these, but maybe only 25% at best. Small wonder I was just always taught to refer to nearly every older relation as “uncle” or “auntie.” Makes things easier that way.

PS: there’s also a version in Mandarin.

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Wei Tien
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