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    Chinese Grammar

    Referring to 'father-in-law' (husband's father) with 公公 (gōnggong)

    Topic & Focus

    Structure

    Subject 的 + 公公

    Explanation

    公公 (gōnggong) refers specifically to the father of one's husband, i.e., one's father-in-law on the husband's side. Chinese kinship terms are more specific than English ones, distinguishing between paternal and maternal relatives. This term is used in informal and family contexts.

    Examples

    • 我公公退休以后每天早上去公园打太极。

      wǒ gōnggong tuìxiū yǐhòu měi tiān zǎoshang qù gōngyuán dǎ tàijí.

      After my father-in-law retired, he goes to the park every morning to do tai chi.

    • 她公公对她特别好,把她当亲生女儿一样。

      tā gōnggong duì tā tèbié hǎo, bǎ tā dāng qīnshēng nǚ'ér yīyàng.

      Her father-in-law treats her especially well, like his own daughter.

    • 过年的时候我们要去公公家吃团圆饭。

      guònián de shíhòu wǒmen yào qù gōnggong jiā chī tuányuánfàn.

      During Chinese New Year, we go to our father-in-law's house for a reunion dinner.

    Referring to 'father-in-law' (husband's father) with 公公 (gōnggong) | Chinese Grammar