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哥哥
gēge
elder brother
哥哥在厨房做饭。
Elder brother is cooking in the kitchen.
formal
An older brother.
我的哥哥比我大三岁。
My elder brother is three years older than me.
哥哥帮我修好了电脑。
Elder brother helped me fix the computer.
Used to address or refer to an older male sibling. In some dialects or contexts, it can also be used affectionately to address a male friend slightly older than the speaker.
Pro Tip
Pronunciation Tip
哥哥 is pronounced with a light tone on the second syllable (gēge), where the second 'ge' is softer and shorter than the first.
Gold Rule
Usage Rule
哥哥 is used for older brothers only. For younger brothers, use 弟弟 (dìdi).
Word Origin
哥哥 (gēge) is a reduplication of 哥 (gē), which originally meant 'elder brother' in Old Chinese. The reduplicated form emphasizes familiarity and affection.
Usage Notes
哥哥 is commonly used in spoken Chinese to address or refer to an older brother. It can also be used as a term of endearment for a male friend who is older or of similar age.
Word Breakdown
哥
elder brother
root汉英词典