Mastering Chinese Family Titles: A Visual Guide & Chart

Living in China, knowing "how to address people" is a huge deal. If you call someone by the wrong title during Chinese New Year gatherings, it can be awkward and might even be considered impolite. The Chinese Kinship System looks as complex as a maze, but it actually follows a strict logic. Once you master the core logic, you will find it both accurate and fun.

1. Why Chinese Family Titles So Complex?

• Patriarchal Society: Traditional China is centered on paternal bloodlines. Those with the same surname (father's side) are "family" (自家人), while those with different surnames (mother's side) are "relatives" (亲戚).
• Confucian Hierarchy: Order by age and seniority is crucial. Older brothers and younger brothers, or father's older brothers and younger brothers, must be distinguished strictly. You cannot just say "Brother" or "Uncle" like in English.

2.The Basics: Father's Side vs. Mother's Side

1. Parents' Siblings

2. Grandparents

4. Next Gen

My children and grandchildren.

My brother's children.

My sister's children.

6. What is the difference between Qin, Tang and Biao? (亲、堂、表)

• Qin (亲): Immediate family. 你的直系亲属。
• Tang (堂): "The Hall". Same surname siblings (Children of father's brothers). 同一个祠堂的人。
• Biao (表): "Outside". Different surname siblings (Children of father's sisters, or mother's side).

Memory Trick: Same surname is Tang, different surname is Biao.
(记忆口诀：同姓是堂，异姓是表。)

7. Calling People Who Aren't Related to You

In Chinese culture, addressing strangers properly depends on the occasion, their age, and your own age. Here are the most common rules:

If you are a Child or Minor:
• Gēge (哥哥): For a male older than you (usually a teenager or young adult).
• Jiějie (姐姐): For a female older than you (usually a teenager or young adult).
• Shūshu (叔叔): "Uncle" - For middle-aged men, roughly 35–55 years old.
• Āyí (阿姨): "Auntie" - For middle-aged women, roughly 35–55 years old.
If you are an Adult:
• Shuàigē (帅哥): Literally "Handsome Guy." Used for young men or when age is unclear. It is casual and polite (often used to call a waiter).
• Měinǚ (美女): Literally "Beautiful Girl." Used for young women or when age is unclear. Like "Shuàigē," it's a standard, polite greeting.
• Dàgē (大哥) / Shīfu (师傅): For men older than you. "Dàgē" is casual. "Shīfu" (Master) is a respectful title for skilled workers (e.g., taxi drivers, repairmen).
• Dàjiě (大姐): "Big Sister" - For women older than you. It sounds polite and natural.