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Hi! I am Studyfin. Today, we will learn how to talk about our family in Mandarin Chinese!
In Chinese, the word for family or family members is 'jiārén'. The first part, 'jiā', means home. The second part, 'rén', means person. So, your family is literally your 'home people'!
Let us start with Mom and Dad. In Chinese, we say 'māma' for Mom. We say 'bàba' for Dad. Notice how both words repeat the same sound twice!
Chinese has special words for older and younger siblings. Your older brother is your 'gēge'. Your younger brother is your 'dìdi'. This helps everyone know who is the oldest!
Sisters have special names too. Your older sister is your 'jiějie'. Your younger sister is your 'mèimei'. Let us practice saying them out loud!
Imagine a boy named Leo. He has a mom, a dad, one big sister, and one little brother. How does Leo say these family members in Chinese?
- First, Leo thinks about his mom. He uses the repeating word 'māma'.
- Next, Leo thinks about his dad. He uses the word 'bàba'.
- Then, Leo looks at his big sister. Since she is older, she is his 'jiějie'.
- Finally, Leo looks at his little brother. Since he is younger, he is his 'dìdi'.
- Now Leo can introduce his whole family in Chinese!
