How to Say “My nephew” in Chinese
Relationships and family · HSK 3
"My nephew" in Chinese is 我的侄子 (Wǒ de zhízi). Chinese distinguishes nephews by which side of the family they come from; there's no generic 'nephew.' 侄子 (zhízi) is your brother's son (paternal side, same surname).
Primary translation
我的侄子
Wǒ de zhízi
Traditional: 我的姪子
Variants by register
Formal
我的侄子 / 我的外甥
Wǒ de zhízi / Wǒ de wàisheng
Casual
侄子 / 外甥
Zhízi / Wàisheng
When to use it
Chinese distinguishes nephews by which side of the family they come from; there's no generic 'nephew.' 侄子 (zhízi) is your brother's son (paternal side, same surname). 外甥 (wàisheng) is your sister's son (maternal side; notice 外, 'outside,' marking the different family line). This split reflects the patrilineal clan structure: 侄子 carries on 'your' family name, while 外甥 belongs to another lineage. For a niece, swap 子 for 女: 侄女 (zhínǚ) or 外甥女 (wàishengnǚ). Use the right one or you'll confuse everyone.
Example sentences
我侄子今年上小学了。
Wǒ zhízi jīnnián shàng xiǎoxué le.
My nephew (brother's son) started elementary school this year.
这是我姐姐的儿子，我外甥。
Zhè shì wǒ jiějie de érzi, wǒ wàisheng.
This is my older sister's son, my nephew.
周末我要带侄子去公园。
Zhōumò wǒ yào dài zhízi qù gōngyuán.
This weekend I'm taking my nephew to the park.