妻子

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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.