姐姐
jiějie/t͡ɕi̯ɛ²¹⁴ d͡ʑ̥i̯ɛ⁴/
In Mandarin, the phrase for "big sister" is 姐姐 (jiějie).
姐姐 refers to a sister who is older than the speaker. It functions as a kinship term for one's own biological sister, but it can also be used as a polite way to address a slightly older female peer or even a stranger.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is based on the character 姐, which means elder sister.
How does it change in a sentence?
The standard way to form the noun for "big sister" is through the reduplication of the character into 姐姐.
How do you pronounce it?
jiějie
Did you know?
- In certain social contexts, 姐姐 can be used as a flirtatious or affectionate term for an older woman, similar to how 'big sister' would be too literal in English.
- In traditional Chinese culture, the 'big sister' often took on a quasi-parental role for younger siblings, making 姐姐 a term of authority as well as affection.
- In certain internet slang or 'fandom' cultures, calling a female idol or celebrity 姐姐 can express a specific type of admiration for her maturity and elegance.
Examples in context
- 第一次听到弟弟称呼我姐姐。This is the first time I've heard my little brother call me "big sister."This sentence illustrates a little brother calling someone 姐姐.Tatoeba #8588296 by slo_oth, translation #10251190 by bekindtoall
- 我姐姐想要杀我。My big sister wants to kill me.This sentence uses 姐姐 to refer to a big sister.Tatoeba #2364547 by anndiana, translation #2366949 by FeuDRenais2
- 她姐姐没去中国旅行。His big sister has never travelled to China.This sentence refers to someone's big sister using 姐姐.Tatoeba #1216082 by Takuya, translation #13949853 by frpzzd
- Jiějiě, wǒ xiǎng nǐ le (姐姐，我想你了)Big sister, I miss you.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Wei is asking Xinyi about her family.
- 伟 Wei你有姐姐吗？Nǐ yǒu jiějie ma?Do you have a big sister?
- 欣怡 Xinyi我有一个姐姐。Wǒ yǒu yí gè jiějie.I have one big sister.
- 伟 Wei她比你大多少岁？Tā bǐ nǐ dà duōshǎo suì?How many years older is she than you?
- 欣怡 Xinyi她比我大三岁。Tā bǐ wǒ dà sān suì.She is three years older than me.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 姐姐, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
