uncle
Meaning: The brother of one's mother or father; husband of one's aunt
An uncle is a male relative who is either a brother of one's parent or the husband of one's aunt. Children often address close family friends as 'uncle' even without a blood relationship. In some cultures, 'uncle' is used as a respectful term for older men. 'Bob's your uncle' is a British expression meaning 'there you have it' or 'that's all there is to it.'
Examples
- My uncle lives in Scotland. 我叔叔住在苏格兰。Mi tío vive en Escocia.私のおじはスコットランドに住んでいます。삼촌은 스코틀랜드에 살고 있습니다.
- Uncle Tom is coming to visit next weekend. 汤姆叔叔下周末要来看我们。El tío Tom viene a visitarnos el próximo fin de semana.トムおじさんが来週末訪ねてきます。톰 삼촌이 다음 주말에 방문합니다.
- Just add water and Bob's your uncle - instant soup! 只要加水就好了——就是速溶汤!¡Solo añade agua y listo - sopa instantánea!水を加えるだけではい出来上がり——インスタントスープです!물만 넣으면 끝—인스턴트 수프 완성!
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Old French 'oncle', from Latin 'avunculus' (mother's brother), diminutive of 'avus' (grandfather). In Roman culture, the maternal uncle had a distinct role, hence the specific Latin term.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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