'Zhíxí' is a kinship term meaning 'nephew's wife'—that is, the spouse of one's brother's or sister's son. The first character 侄 (zhí) means 'nephew', and the second character 媳 (xí) specifically denotes a daughter-in-law or, more broadly, a married woman who has joined the family through marriage to a male relative. Together, they form a precise, formal term used primarily in spoken and written contexts when referring to family relationships.

This word reflects Chinese culture’s emphasis on detailed familial roles and hierarchical respect. It is commonly used in family gatherings, formal introductions, wedding invitations, or genealogical discussions. Unlike English, which often uses generic terms like 'my nephew’s wife', Mandarin distinguishes such relationships with specific vocabulary, making 'zhíxí' essential for accurate family description. It carries a respectful, neutral tone and is appropriate in both casual and formal registers when addressing or referring to this relative.