亲戚 qīnqi a relative (i.e. family relation)
How to remember 亲戚: 亲 kin + 戚 relative = a relative (i.e. family relation).
Characters
How it is used
- A relative (extended family) - 走亲戚 (zǒu qīnqi) visit relatives; qi is neutral tone.
- Refers to kin outside the immediate household - aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws.
- Contrast 家人 (jiārén), one's immediate family/household; 亲戚 is the wider network of relatives.
Example sentences
- 他们是我的亲戚。 Tāmen shì wǒ de qīnqi.They're my relatives.
- 她没有任何亲戚朋友照顾她。 Tā méiyǒu rènhé qīnqīpéngyǒu zhàogù tā.She doesn't have any friends or relatives to take care of her.
- 我常常访问我的亲戚。 Wǒ chángcháng fǎngwèn wǒ de qīnqī.I often visit my relatives.