Cultural Insight:

The concept of family is very important in China, and this is deeply reflected in forms of address. In English, "brother" can refer to an older or younger brother. But in Chinese, you must distinguish between "哥哥" (older brother) and "弟弟" (younger brother), "姐姐" (older sister) and "妹妹" (younger sister). There are also specific terms for cousins, like "表哥" (older male cousin on mother's side) and "堂姐" (older female cousin on father's side).

This reflects the Confucian idea of "order of seniority." Knowing a person's age and birth order within the family is very important, as it determines how you interact with them and the terms of address you use, showing respect for elders and seniors.

Useful Sentences:

1. 这是我哥哥。(Zhè shì wǒ gēge.) - This is my older brother.

2. 我有一个妹妹。(Wǒ yǒu yí gè mèimei.) - I have a younger sister.

3. 你家有几口人？(Nǐ jiā yǒu jǐ kǒu rén?) - How many people are in your family?

4. 我家有四口人：爸爸、妈妈、姐姐和我。(Wǒ jiā yǒu sì kǒu rén: bàba, māma, jiějie hé wǒ.) - There are four people in my family: father, mother, older sister, and me.

Grammar Tip: Measure Words "个 (gè)" and "口 (kǒu)"

In Chinese, nouns usually require a measure word in front.

• 个: The most universal and commonly used measure word. Used for people, objects, etc. Example: 一个人 (a person), 一个苹果 (an apple), 一个问题 (a question).

• 口: A measure word specifically for family members. 几口人？ = How many people in the family?

Exercise:
Choose the correct measure word (个 / 口).

1. 我家有五______人。

2. 我有三______好朋友。

3. 桌子上有一______书。
   (Answers: 1. 口 2. 个 3. 本 - The measure word for book is "本", a little trick!)