我的姐姐
wǒ de jiějie
In Chinese, the phrase for "my sister" is 我的姐姐 (wǒ de jiějie), which specifically refers to a female sibling who is older than the speaker.
The phrase 我的姐姐 is used to identify an older sister. The term 姐姐 (jiějie) can also be used to address or refer to a woman slightly older than oneself, even if there is no biological relation. In slang, the term 闺蜜 (guī mì) is used to refer to a sister-like best friend.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 我 (I/me), 的 (possessive particle) and 姐姐 (older sister).
Which one should you use?
While 姐姐 (jiějie) specifically refers to an older sister, 妹妹 (mèimei) is used for a younger sister.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Cantonese, 阿姐 (aa3 ze2) is used to refer to an older sister and 妹妹 (mui6 mui6) signifies a younger sister.
How does it change in a sentence?
In casual spoken Chinese, the possessive particle 的 is often omitted when referring to close family members, allowing you to say 我姐姐.
How do you pronounce it?
wǒ de jiějie
Did you know?
- In some modern internet slang, 姐 is used ironically to describe someone who is behaving with an air of sophisticated authority or 'diva' energy.
- In traditional Chinese kinship terms, many words for 'sister' change depending on whether the sister is on your mother's side or your father's side of the family.
- In many Chinese families, you might never actually call your sister by her given name, instead using her title 姐姐 as her primary name.
Examples in context
- 我的姐姐有工作。My sister has a job.This sentence shows the use of 我的姐姐 to indicate employment.Tatoeba #1819106 by sysko, translation #322330 by CK
- 我的姐姐就像我的祖母。My sister resembles my grandmother.This sentence shows how 我的姐姐 can be used to describe a resemblance.Tatoeba #835340 by Martha, translation #251894 by CK
- 我的姐姐结婚前是个秘书.My sister worked as a secretary before she got married.This sentence shows how 我的姐姐 can be used to describe a past occupation.Tatoeba #2857876 by trieuho, translation #2857875 by trieuho
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Wei is introducing his family photo to Zihan.
- 伟 Wei你看，这是我的姐姐。Nǐ kàn, zhè shì wǒ de jiějie.Look, this is my sister.
- 梓涵 Zihan她看起来很漂亮。Tā kàn qǐlái hěn piàoliang.She looks very beautiful.
- 伟 Wei谢谢，我的姐姐也很聪明。Xièxie, wǒ de jiějie yě hěn cōngmíng.Thanks, my sister is also very smart.
- 梓涵 Zihan你们关系一定很好。Nǐmen guānxì yīdìng hěn hǎo.You two must have a great relationship.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
