儿子 — meaning in English: son

érzi · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for son

停止

tíngzhǐ

儿子

érzi

裙子

qúnzi

狗

gǒu

复杂

fùzá

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 儿子 (érzi) in family settings, particularly when talking about their children. For instance, a father might say, '我儿子很聪明' (My son is very clever) when discussing his child's achievements.

Synonyms & nuances

While 儿子 (érzi) is the most common term for 'son,' the word 孩子 (háizi) can also refer to children in general. You would use 儿子 specifically when you need to indicate a male child, whereas 孩子 is more general and can refer to both sons and daughters.

Culture

The word 儿子 (érzi) is not just a simple term for 'son'; it reflects the traditional Chinese family structure, where sons are often expected to carry on the family name and lineage. Historically, in many Chinese families, having a son was considered essential for ensuring familial continuity and honoring ancestors, making this word deeply rooted in cultural significance.

FAQ

Q.What is the pronunciation of 儿子?

儿子 is pronounced as 'érzi.' The tone on the first syllable is rising, which is important for proper pronunciation in Mandarin.

Q.Are there any formal ways to refer to a son in Mandarin?

In more formal contexts, you might hear the term 子 (zǐ) used in compound words like 孩子 (háizi) or even when referring to sons in a more respectful manner.

Q.How do I use 儿子 in a sentence?

You can use 儿子 by saying something like '我有一个儿子' (I have a son). Just remember that the context of family or parenting will often provide a natural setting for this term.

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