Definition

1. Noun:
   • Nephew or niece (child of one's sibling): "cháu ruột" specifically refers to the son or daughter of one's own brother or sister.
   • Grandchild (child of one's child): In some contexts, "cháu ruột" can also refer to one's own grandchild, the child of one's son or daughter. This meaning is less common than the primary one.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Hai cháu ruột của tôi sẽ đến thăm vào cuối tuần. (My two nieces/nephews will visit this weekend.)
  • Bà ấy rất yêu quý đứa cháu ruột duy nhất của mình. (She dearly loves her only grandchild.)

Advanced Usage

• "cháu ruột" vs. "cháu": The word "ruột" (literally "intestines/blood") emphasizes a direct, blood-related familial connection. Using just "cháu" is more general and can include children of cousins or close family friends.
  • Anh ấy coi tôi như cháu ruột. (He treats me like his own niece/nephew [even though I am not].)

Variants and Related Words

• Cháu (n): A general term for niece, nephew, grandchild, or a younger person in an extended family context.
  • Cháu gái: Niece or granddaughter (female).
  • Cháu trai: Nephew or grandson (male).
• Cháu nội (n): Grandchild from the paternal side (son's child).
• Cháu ngoại (n): Grandchild from the maternal side (daughter's child).

Synonyms

• Con của anh/chị/em ruột: Child of one's (older brother/older sister/younger sibling). This is a descriptive synonym for the primary meaning.

Related Phrases

• Thân thiết như cháu ruột: To be as close as a blood-related niece/nephew/grandchild.
  • Hàng xóm của bà ấy thân thiết như cháu ruột vậy. (Her neighbor is as close as her own grandchild.)

Related Idioms

• Máu chảy ruột mềm: (Lit: When blood flows, the intestines soften). An idiom about the deep, instinctive love and compassion felt for one's own flesh and blood, which includes "cháu ruột".
  • Nhìn cháu ruột bị ốm, bà cảm thấy máu chảy ruột mềm. (Seeing her sick grandchild, she felt profound pity and love.)