noun HSK 1
older sister · elder sister
Meaning
姐姐 refers to an older sister in relation to younger siblings. It's one of the most basic kinship terms in Chinese and is used both when talking about one's own older sister and when addressing someone else's older sister respectfully.
Usage
Native speakers use 姐姐 to address their own older sister directly or refer to her in conversation. It can also be used as a polite form of address for young women who are slightly older than the speaker, even if not related. The second syllable is typically pronounced in the neutral tone (jiě jie).
Examples
- 01我姐姐在北京工作。.My older sister works in Beijing.
- 02姐姐，你能帮我一下吗？, ?Older sister, can you help me?
Characters
Measure words
- 个一个姐姐
Common collocations
- 大姐姐eldest sister
- 表姐姐older female cousin
- 我姐姐my older sister
Antonyms
Origin
The character 姐 combines the female radical 女 with 且, which provides phonetic information. Repeating the character creates a familiar, affectionate form commonly used in family contexts.