长辈
zhangbei
The English phrase 'elder' can be translated into Chinese as 长辈 (zhangbei).
长辈 is used to refer to people of a higher generation than oneself. This includes family members such as parents, aunts, uncles or older cousins, rather than simply anyone who is old in age.
Meaning: old person (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word consists of 长 (zhǎng), meaning 'grow/old/senior' and 辈 (bèi), meaning 'generation'.
Which one should you use?
While 长辈 refers to one's social or familial seniors, the term 老人 refers specifically to elderly people based on chronological age.
How do you pronounce it?
zhangbei
Did you know?
- A person may be a 长辈 to someone even if they are chronologically younger, provided they belong to a higher generation in the family tree.
- In Chinese culture, when addressing an 长辈, one often uses their specific title like 'Second Aunt' or 'Elder Brother' instead of their actual name. Using a person's given name can be seen as a sign of extreme disrespect toward a senior.
- The character 长 is an ideogram that originally depicted a tall person or a growing plant, reflecting the cultural link between physical growth and seniority.
Examples in context
- 我们要尊敬长辈。Wǒmen yào zūnjìng zhǎngbèi.We should respect our elders.
- 他经常听取长辈的意见。Tā jīngcháng tīngqǔ zhǎngbèi de yìjiàn.He often listens to the advice of his elders.
- 长辈们都很关心我们。Zhǎngbèi men dōu hěn guānxīn wǒmen.The elders are all very concerned about us.
Example conversation
Two young people are discussing family traditions at home.
- 俊杰 Junjie你应该多孝敬长辈。Nǐ yīnggāi duō xiàojìng zhǎngbèi.You should be more filial to your elders.
- 梓涵 Zihan我知道，俊杰哥哥。Wǒ zhīdào, Jùnjié gēge.I know, Junjie.
- 俊杰 Junjie梓涵，这是基本礼仪。Zǐhán, zhè shì jīběn lǐyí.Zihan, this is basic etiquette.
- 梓涵 Zihan我会记住你的话。Wǒ huì jìzhù nǐ de huà.I will remember what you said.
