子孙

• Pinyin: zǐ sūn
• Hanzi breakdown: 子 = 了 + 一 (children); 孙 = 子 + 小 (grandchildren)

Meaning

Descendants; offspring; posterity. Children, grandchildren, and future generations.

Refers to one's children and all subsequent generations. Important concept in Chinese culture where continuing the family line and leaving a legacy for descendants is highly valued. Often used in discussions of heritage and responsibility.

Examples

1. 这片土地是祖先留给子孙的财富。 This land is a legacy our ancestors left to their descendants.
2. 为子孙后代保护环境是我们的责任。 Protecting the environment for future generations is our responsibility.
3. 他希望把家业传给子孙。 He hopes to pass the family business on to his descendants.

Usage Guide

Context: family, heritage, environmental

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 子孙满堂是中国传统观念中的福气。(Having many descendants is considered a blessing in traditional Chinese culture.)
• 我们要为子孙后代留下一个美好的地球。(We must leave a beautiful Earth for future generations.)

Don't Say

• 我的子孙来了 — use 孩子们 or 后代 in everyday speech

Origin & History

子 (children) + 孙 (grandchildren)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal