媳妇

xífu

daughter-in-law

HSK 6

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"媳妇" specifically refers to a daughter-in-law, the wife of one's son. It is a common term used in family contexts and often appears in discussions about family relationships.

Cultural Context

In Chinese culture, the role of the "媳妇" is traditionally significant, often involving responsibilities toward the husband's family. This can influence the dynamics with the mother-in-law and other relatives.

Common Collocations

  • 媳妇 (daughter-in-law and mother-in-law): highlights family relationship dynamics.
  • 媳妇 (good daughter-in-law): used to praise a daughter-in-law's behavior.
  • 媳妇 (daughter-in-law cooking): a common domestic context.

Usage Notes

"媳妇" is informal and used mostly in spoken language or familiar contexts. In formal writing, "" (ér xí) might be preferred. Avoid confusing "媳妇" with "妻子" (wife), as "媳妇" specifically implies the relationship through marriage to a son.

Example Sentences

他家的媳妇很会做饭。

Tā jiā de xífù hěn huì zuò fàn.

His daughter-in-law is very good at cooking.

媳妇和婆婆的关系有时候会很复杂。

Xífù hé pópo de guānxi yǒu shíhòu huì hěn fùzá.

The relationship between daughter-in-law and mother-in-law can sometimes be

他把媳妇当成了家里最重要的人。

Tā bǎ xífù dàng chéng le jiā lǐ zuì zhòngyào de rén.

He regards his daughter-in-law as the most important person in the family.