亲生

• Pinyin: qīn shēng
• Hanzi breakdown: 亲 = 立 + 木 + 见 (own/close); 生 = 生 (birth/life)

Meaning

Biological; born of the same parents. Distinguishes one's birth parents or birth children from adoptive or step-relatives.

Specifically denotes biological parentage or offspring, as opposed to 养 (adopted) or 继 (step-). Used when the distinction between biological and non-biological relationships is relevant. Common in legal, social, and family contexts.

Examples

1. 这个孩子是他的亲生儿子，血脉相连，感情深厚。 This child is his biological son; they are connected by blood and share a deep bond.
2. 她长大后才得知，抚养她多年的夫妇并非她的亲生父母。 She didn’t learn until she was grown that the couple who raised her for many years were not her biological parents.
3. 亲生骨肉之间的牵绊，往往超越任何物质条件的阻隔。 The tie between blood relatives often goes beyond any material barriers.

Usage Guide

Context: family, legal, social

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 法院要求进行DNA检测，以核实亲生关系。(The court required a DNA test to verify the biological relationship.)
• 她虽为养女，但与养父母的感情毫不逊色于亲生子女。(Although she was an adopted daughter, her bond with her adoptive parents was no less than that of a biological child.)

Don't Say

• 我们是亲生兄弟 — only specify 亲生 when the biological vs. adoptive distinction is relevant; otherwise simply say 兄弟 to avoid sounding clinical

Origin & History

亲 (own/close) + 生 (born/give birth) — born of oneself; biologically produced

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal