woman of similar age to one's parents (term of address used by child)
HSK 3, nr, rank #2877, Medium
阿姨
āyí
>个[gè]
HSK 3, nr, rank #2877, Medium
āyí(a1yi2) T1
1maternal aunt
2step-mother
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
阿姨āyí(a1yi2)
The term '阿姨' (āyí) primarily refers to a maternal aunt but can also denote a stepmother or a woman of similar age to one's parents. In many contexts, it is used as a polite term of address for childcare workers or nursemaids, reflecting a sense of familiarity and respect.
Frequency#2877DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
'阿姨' reflects the importance of familial relationships in Chinese culture, where extended family members often play significant roles in daily life. It illustrates the common practice of referring to older women in a familial manner, which fosters a sense of community.
Memory Tip
Imagine a friendly aunt waving at you with open arms, saying 'Aunty' in a cheerful voice. The character '阿' (ā) can remind you of 'aunt' with its open shape, while '姨' (yí) sounds like 'yummy,' suggesting the warmth of a family meal at your aunt's house.
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 阿姨
Quick Contrast
姑姑 (gūgu) refers specifically to a paternal aunt, whereas 阿姨 (āyí) can refer to a maternal aunt or a woman of similar age to one's parents.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a friendly aunt waving at you with open arms, saying 'Aunty' in a cheerful voice. The character '阿' (ā) can remind you of 'aunt' with its open shape, while '姨' (yí) sounds like 'yummy,' suggesting the warmth of a family meal at your aunt's house.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse '阿姨' with '姑姑' (gūgū), which specifically means aunt on the father's side. This term is generally informal, so it's best used in casual settings or when addressing someone in a friendly manner, rather than in formal situations.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 3 word, '阿姨' connects with family-related vocabulary like '妈妈' (māmā, mother) and '父亲' (fùqīn, father). Focus on using it in context with family discussions and when describing relationships.
Cultural Note
'阿姨' reflects the importance of familial relationships in Chinese culture, where extended family members often play significant roles in daily life. It illustrates the common practice of referring to older women in a familial manner, which fosters a sense of community.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use '阿姨' for paternal aunts, which should be '姑姑' (gūgū). Another common error is using it in overly formal contexts, where a more respectful term would be appropriate.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 阿姨
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 阿姨 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 阿姨 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 阿姨
阿姨 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 6 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
她是街坊上所有孩子的好____.
She is a good aunt to all the children in the neighbourhood.
Example Sentences for 阿姨 (6)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
她是街坊上所有孩子的好阿姨.
tā shì jiē fāng shàng suǒ yǒu hái zǐ de hǎo ā yí.
She is a good aunt to all the children in the neighbourhood.
2
阿姨和叔叔建议她去商店工作。
ā yí hé shū shū jiàn yì tā qù shāng diàn gōng zuò。
Auntie and Uncle suggested she serve in the shop.
3
令人疑惑的是，她看上去就像一位面熟的邻家阿姨或是祖母。
líng rén yí huò de shì， ， tā kàn shàng qù jiù xiàng yī wèi miàn shú de lín jiā ā yí huò shì zǔ。
She looks disconcertingly like a familiar aunt or grandmother.
4
玛丽阿姨糊里糊涂的,她总是忘东忘西.
mǎ lì ā yí hū lǐ hū tú de, , tā zǒng shì wàng dōng wàng.
Aunt Mary is such a scatterbrain that she always forgets something.
5
“ 阿姨叫我不要跑, ” 他解释道, “ 因为我有气喘病. ”
“ “ ā yí jiào wǒ bù yào,” pǎo , ” tā jiě,“ shì dào , “ yīn wéi wǒ yǒu.”
" Auntie told me not to run, " he explained, " on account of my asthma. ”
6
下午我跟我的阿姨和老妈逛街去了.
xià wǔ wǒ gēn wǒ de ā yí hé lǎo mā guàng jiē qù le.
I went shopping with my mum and aunty today.
Cultural Notes for 阿姨
🏮Cultural insight
'阿姨' reflects the importance of familial relationships in Chinese culture, where extended family members often play significant roles in daily life. It illustrates the common practice of referring to older women in a familial manner, which fosters a sense of community.
Frequently Asked Questions about 阿姨
'阿姨' is generally used for women around the age of your parents or older. It can be seen as respectful, but it's specific to those who have a nurturing role.
'阿姨' can refer to a maternal aunt, but it can also mean a stepmother or be used for childcare workers, which broadens its use beyond just family.
'阿姨' is pronounced as 'ā yí,' with the first syllable being level (high tone) and the second syllable rising.
