(gē ge) - older brother in Mandarin
gēgeTraditional: 哥哥
Translation
older brother
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Word origin
A reduplication of 哥 (ge) 'elder brother'. The character stacks two 可 elements and carries the 口 'mouth' radical; doubling it gives the familiar term 'older brother'.
- Origin
- compound
- Root
- 哥 (ge, 'elder brother') reduplicated; 哥 contains 口 (mouth) and two 可
Stroke order
哥
哥
Examples
。
My older brother is three years older than me.
。
His older brother is an engineer.
，。
Brother, help me out.
。
My elder brother works in Shanghai.
。
My elder brother is three years older than me.
哥哥 (gē ge) means older brother. Chinese kinship terms distinguish relative age: 哥哥 is an older brother while 弟弟 (dì di) is a younger brother. The second syllable is often neutral-toned in speech. 哥 alone is also used as a form of address for older male acquaintances or friends (大哥, big bro). In modern slang 哥哥 can be used affectionately for any admired older male. The four sibling terms are 哥哥, 弟弟, 姐姐, 妹妹 (older brother, younger brother, older sister, younger sister).
Where this fits
Used in
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Free printable study downloads for the Mandarin word "哥哥" (older brother): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
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Start your free week (no card)This word is taught in chapter 9, lesson 4: 哥哥, 昨晚, 我爱你 and 7 more words.