Meaning and Usage
The word 外甥 (wàisheng) specifically refers to the son of one's sister, i.e., a nephew on the maternal side. It is a kinship term used in family contexts.
Common Contexts
You will often hear 外甥 used when talking about family relationships, especially when distinguishing between nephews from the mother's side (外甥) and the father's side (侄子).
Collocations and Patterns
- 外甥儿 (wàishengr): a colloquial form often used in northern China.
- 我的外甥 (wǒ de wàisheng): my nephew (maternal).
Usage Notes
外甥 is always male and specifically refers to the sister's son. Do not confuse it with 侄子 (zhízi), which means nephew on the father's side. When speaking, specifying 外甥 clarifies the maternal relationship.
Common Confusion
Many learners confuse 外甥 with 侄子. Remember 外甥 is sister's son; 侄子 is brother's son.