Is every Chinese family term universal?

No. Region, dialect, age and family habit can change the word people actually use.

Why does the calculator stop after three steps?

The fixed scope keeps results understandable and avoids pretending that every distant relationship has one universal answer.

Find a name. Read a conversation. Keep learning. No account required.

HANZI WONDER

Chinese Family Relationship Calculator

Follow a family path to find a common Mandarin kinship term and its regional context.

FAMILY TERMS GUIDE

Why Chinese has several words for “uncle” and “grandmother”

Mandarin kinship terms often identify which side of the family a person comes from, whether a sibling is older or younger and whether the relationship is by marriage. Follow the path from “me” to get a common term, then read the regional note before using it.

01
Build the relationship path
Choose one family member at a time: mother, father, sibling, partner or child.
02
Read the side of the family
Father’s father and mother’s father use different common terms, as do many aunts, uncles and cousins.
03
Expect regional variation
Mandarin, Cantonese and other varieties may use different words. Individual families also simplify or adapt terms.

EXAMPLES

父亲 → 父亲

爷爷 · paternal grandfather

母亲 → 父亲

外公 / 姥爷 · maternal grandfather

父亲 → 哥哥

伯伯 / 伯父 · father’s older brother

COMMON QUESTIONS

Is every Chinese family term universal?: No. Region, dialect, age and family habit can change the word people actually use.
Why does the calculator stop after three steps?: The fixed scope keeps results understandable and avoids pretending that every distant relationship has one universal answer.

Chinese Family Relationship Calculator

Why Chinese has several words for “uncle” and “grandmother”

Build the relationship path

Read the side of the family

Expect regional variation