哥哥
gēge/kɤ⁵⁵ g̊ə²/
The Filipino term kuya can be translated into Chinese as 哥哥 (gēge).
In Chinese, 哥哥 is used to address an older brother, older male cousins or older male acquaintances to show familiarity or respect.
Which one should you use?
While 哥哥 is a general term for an older brother, 大哥 is often used to refer specifically to the eldest brother in a family or as a respectful way to address a slightly older man in a social setting.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is gēge. The IPA is /kɤ⁵⁵ g̊ə²/.
Did you know?
- In modern Chinese slang, 哥哥 is often used by female fans to address their favorite male idols or celebrities, regardless of the actual age difference.
- While 哥哥 is a family term, using 大哥 in a gang or underworld context refers to a 'big brother' or boss who provides protection to his subordinates.
- In traditional Chinese culture, the birth order of siblings determines a rigid hierarchy, and calling an older brother 哥哥 is often accompanied by a level of deference not required for younger siblings.
Examples in context
- 你好，哥哥！我需要你的帮助。Hello, older brother! I need your help.
- 哥哥，帮我拿一下东西。Gēge, bāng wǒ ná yīxià dōngxī.Older brother, please help me carry this thing.
- 我有一个哥哥。Wǒ yǒu yīgè gēge.I have an older brother.
Example conversation
At home, a younger sister asks her brother for help.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen哥哥，你饿了吗？Gēge, nǐ è le ma?Older brother, are you hungry?
- 志强 Zhiqiang我不饿，谢谢妹妹。Wǒ bù è, xièxiè mèimei.I am not hungry, thank you little sister.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen那你想喝水吗？Nà nǐ xiǎng hē shuǐ ma?Then do you want to drink some water?
- 志强 Zhiqiang好啊，请给我一杯。Hǎo a, qǐng gěi wǒ yī bēi.Okay, please give me a glass.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 哥哥, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
