‘媳妇’ (xí fu) literally combines 媳 (xí), meaning ‘daughter-in-law’ — a woman who has married into a family — and 妇 (fù), meaning ‘married woman’ or ‘wife’. Together, the term primarily means ‘daughter-in-law’, referring to the wife of one’s son. It is commonly used by parents-in-law when speaking about or addressing their son’s spouse.

In informal, colloquial speech — especially in northern China and in spoken contexts — ‘媳妇’ can also mean ‘wife’, used affectionately or casually by a husband referring to his own spouse (e.g., ‘我媳妇’ = ‘my wife’). This usage is warm and familiar but not appropriate in formal writing or official contexts. The term carries familial and relational nuance, emphasizing role within the extended family rather than just marital status.