妻子

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妻子 [2025/08/10 07:17] – created xiaoer妻子 [Unknown date] (current) – removed - external edit (Unknown date) 127.0.0.1
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-====== qīzi: 妻子 - Wife ====== +
-===== Quick Summary ===== +
-  * **Keywords:** 妻子, qīzi, wife in Chinese, how to say wife in Chinese, Chinese word for wife, qizi meaning, formal word for wife, 老婆 (lǎopo), 太太 (tàitai), 夫人 (fūrén), 丈夫 (zhàngfu) +
-  * **Summary:** Learn the meaning and use of **妻子 (qīzi)**, the standard and formal Chinese word for "wife". This comprehensive guide covers its cultural significance, how it differs from informal terms like `老婆 (lǎopo)`, and provides practical example sentences. Discover when to use `妻子` to sound respectful and appropriate in modern China. +
-===== Core Meaning ===== +
-  * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** qīzi (qī zǐ) +
-  * **Part of Speech:** Noun +
-  * **HSK Level:** HSK 2 +
-  * **Concise Definition:** The formal and standard term for "wife". +
-  * **In a Nutshell:** `妻子` is the default, correct, and somewhat formal way to say "wife" in Mandarin Chinese. Think of it as the word you would write on a legal document or use in a formal introduction. While perfectly correct in speech, it can sometimes sound a bit stiff or distant in very casual conversations, where other words might be preferred. It carries a tone of respect and acknowledges the official marital status. +
-===== Character Breakdown ===== +
-  * **妻 (qī):** This character is the core of the word. Historically, it's a pictograph of a woman (女) with her hand near a broom, symbolizing the traditional role of managing household affairs. In modern Chinese, it simply means "wife". +
-  * **子 (zǐ):** This character originally meant "child" or "son". However, in many modern Chinese words, `子` acts as a noun suffix. It doesn't add the meaning of "child" here; it simply makes the single-character `妻` into a more common two-syllable word, which is a standard feature of modern Mandarin. +
-  * **Combined Meaning:** The character `妻` provides the core meaning of "wife," and the suffix `子` makes it a complete, standard noun in modern Chinese. +
-===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== +
-  * In Chinese culture, marriage is a significant social and legal institution, and the term `妻子` reflects this official status. It's the term used in law, on official forms, and in contexts that emphasize the legitimacy of the marital bond. +
-  * **Comparison to Western Culture:** In English, the word "wife" is used in almost every context, from a casual chat with friends ("My wife and I went to the movies") to a formal speech ("I'd like to thank my wife for her support"). Chinese, however, has a richer vocabulary to reflect different levels of formality and intimacy. +
-  * `妻子 (qīzi)` is the neutral, formal standard, much like the general use of "wife" in English. However, the existence of terms like `老婆 (lǎopo)` (more intimate, like "my old lady" but much more common and positive) and `太太 (tàitai)` (respectful, like "Mrs.") means that choosing `妻子` is a deliberate act of using a more formal register. Using it implies a degree of respectful distance, which is appropriate when talking to strangers or in professional settings, but might feel less intimate between close friends. +
-===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== +
-  * **Formal Situations:** This is the go-to term for any formal context. +
-    *   **Introductions:** When formally introducing your wife at a work event or to an elder: “这是我的妻子。(Zhè shì wǒ de qīzi.)” - "This is my wife." +
-    *   **Official Documents:** Filling out forms that ask for your spouse's name (e.g., visa applications, bank forms). The field will often be labeled `配偶 (pèi'ǒu)` (spouse) or specifically `妻子 (qīzi)`. +
-    *   **Written Language:** In articles, books, or formal correspondence, `妻子` is the standard written term. +
-  * **Spoken Language:** +
-    *   **Referring to someone else's wife:** It is very polite and common to ask a colleague or acquaintance, “你的妻子最近好吗？(Nǐ de qīzi zuìjìn hǎo ma?)” - "How has your wife been recently?" +
-    *   **Referring to your own wife:** In daily, casual conversation with friends or family, using `我妻子 (wǒ qīzi)` can sound a little detached. Most people, especially younger generations, would opt for the more affectionate `我老婆 (wǒ lǎopo)`. Using `我妻子` might imply you are speaking in a more serious or official capacity. +
-===== Example Sentences ===== +
-  * **Example 1:** +
-    * 他向大家介绍说：“这位是我的**妻子**，李静。” +
-    * Pinyin: Tā xiàng dàjiā jièshào shuō: “Zhè wèi shì wǒ de **qīzi**, Lǐ Jìng.” +
-    * English: He introduced to everyone, "This is my wife, Li Jing." +
-    * Analysis: A classic example of a formal introduction at a social or work gathering. `妻子` is the perfect word here. +
-  * **Example 2:** +
-    * 我的**妻子**是一名非常出色的小学老师。 +
-    * Pinyin: Wǒ de **qīzi** shì yī míng fēicháng chūsè de xiǎoxué lǎoshī. +
-    * English: My wife is an outstanding elementary school teacher. +
-    * Analysis: This is a neutral, descriptive sentence. `妻子` works well, sounding proud and respectful without being overly casual. +
-  * **Example 3:** +
-    * 根据法律，**妻子**有权继承丈夫的财产。 +
-    * Pinyin: Gēnjù fǎlǜ, **qīzi** yǒu quán jìchéng zhàngfu de cáichǎn. +
-    * English: According to the law, a wife has the right to inherit her husband's property. +
-    * Analysis: This demonstrates the use of `妻子` in a legal and official context. +
-  * **Example 4:** +
-    * 他非常感激他的**妻子**在困难时期对他的支持。 +
-    * Pinyin: Tā fēicháng gǎnjī tā de **qīzi** zài kùnnán shíqī duì tā de zhīchí. +
-    * English: He is very grateful for his wife's support during difficult times. +
-    * Analysis: In a sentence expressing deep, serious gratitude, `妻子` sounds more profound and formal than `老婆 (lǎopo)`. +
-  * **Example 5:** +
-    * 请问您**妻子**的名字怎么写？ +
-    * Pinyin: Qǐngwèn nín **qīzi** de míngzì zěnme xiě? +
-    * English: Excuse me, how do you write your wife's name? +
-    * Analysis: When speaking to someone respectfully (using `您 (nín)`), referring to their wife as `妻子` is polite and appropriate. +
-  * **Example 6:** +
-    * 王先生和他的**妻子**结婚十年了。 +
-    * Pinyin: Wáng xiānsheng hé tā de **qīzi** jiéhūn shí nián le. +
-    * English: Mr. Wang and his wife have been married for ten years. +
-    * Analysis: A standard, factual statement about a third party. `妻子` is the neutral and correct choice. +
-  * **Example 7:** +
-    * 他一回到家，他的**妻子**就给了他一个拥抱。 +
-    * Pinyin: Tā yī huí dào jiā, tā de **qīzi** jiù gěi le tā yī gè yōngbào. +
-    * English: As soon as he got home, his wife gave him a hug. +
-    * Analysis: This could be found in a story or narrative. In narration, `妻子` is often used as the standard term. +
-  * **Example 8:** +
-    * 一位好**妻子**是生活中的宝贵财富。 +
-    * Pinyin: Yī wèi hǎo **qīzi** shì shēnghuó zhōng de bǎoguì cáifù. +
-    * English: A good wife is a precious treasure in life. +
-    * Analysis: A general, almost proverbial statement. `妻子` is used here to represent the concept of "a wife". +
-  * **Example 9:** +
-    * 他决定辞掉工作，花更多时间陪伴他的**妻子**和孩子。 +
-    * Pinyin: Tā juédìng cídiào gōngzuò, huā gèng duō shíjiān péibàn tā de **qīzi** hé háizi. +
-    * English: He decided to quit his job to spend more time with his wife and children. +
-    * Analysis: This sentence discusses a serious life decision. The formal `妻子` fits the serious tone of the statement. +
-  * **Example 10:** +
-    * 他正在为他**妻子**的生日派对做准备。 +
-    * Pinyin: Tā zhèngzài wèi tā **qīzi** de shēngrì pàiduì zuò zhǔnbèi. +
-    * English: He is preparing for his wife's birthday party. +
-    * Analysis: A neutral, descriptive sentence. While he might call her `老婆 (lǎopo)` to her face, when describing the situation to others, `妻子` is a perfectly fine and common choice. +
-===== Nuances and Common Mistakes ===== +
-  * **Mistake: Overusing `妻子` in casual contexts.** The most common pitfall for learners is using `妻子` in situations where a native speaker would use `老婆 (lǎopo)`. If you are having a beer with a close friend, saying "我妻子想买辆新车" (My wife wants to buy a new car) can sound a bit formal. Your friend would more likely expect to hear "我老婆想买辆新车". +
-    *   **Incorrect:** (Two young friends chatting casually) A: 周末干嘛去？(Zhōumò gàn má qù?) - What are you doing this weekend? B: 我**妻子**让我陪她去逛街。(Wǒ **qīzi** ràng wǒ péi tā qù guāngjiē.) - My wife wants me to go shopping with her. +
-    *   **Why it's unnatural:** It sounds too formal for a casual chat between friends. +
-    *   **Better:** 我**老婆**让我陪她去逛街。(Wǒ **lǎopo** ràng wǒ péi tā qù guāngjiē.) +
-  * **`妻子` vs. `太太`:** While both can be used to refer to another man's wife, `太太 (tàitai)` often implies a slightly higher social standing and is used like "Mrs.". For example, you might refer to your boss's wife as "王太太" (Mrs. Wang). `妻子` is more neutral and just states the relationship. You'd say "王先生的妻子" (Mr. Wang's wife). +
-===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== +
-  * [[老婆]] (lǎopo) - The most common informal and affectionate term for "wife," used frequently in daily conversation. Akin to "wifey" but without any negative connotation. +
-  * [[太太]] (tàitai) - A respectful term for "wife," often used for another person's wife ("Mrs.") or to imply a certain social status. +
-  * [[夫人]] (fūrén) - A highly formal term for "wife," typically reserved for the wives of dignitaries or very prominent men (e.g., "First Lady"). +
-  * [[丈夫]] (zhàngfu) - The direct formal counterpart to `妻子`; the standard word for "husband." +
-  * [[老公]] (lǎogōng) - The informal and affectionate counterpart to `老婆`; the most common word for "husband" in casual speech. +
-  * [[爱人]] (àirén) - A term meaning "spouse" (husband or wife), literally "lover." Common among the older generation or in very formal/official contexts. Can be ambiguous to learners. +
-  * [[配偶]] (pèi'ǒu) - The legal, technical, and gender-neutral term for "spouse." You will see this on official forms. +
-  * [[夫妻]] (fūqī) - The word for "a married couple" or "husband and wife" as a single unit.+