哥哥
go1 go1
The Cantonese word for older brother is 哥哥 (go1 go1).
哥哥 is the standard term for an older brother. It can also be used to address a male who is slightly older than you as a way to show friendliness or familiarity, even if you are not biologically related.
Meaning: single-word translations (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 哥哥 is the general term for an older brother, 大哥 is used specifically to refer to the eldest brother in a family or to a respected older male peer. Additionally, 哥 is a shorter, more casual version used in some areas to address an older brother.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some areas, 哥 is used instead of 哥哥 to address an older brother in a casual setting.
How does it change in a sentence?
大哥 is used specifically to denote the eldest brother in a family or a respected older male peer.
How do you pronounce it?
go1 go1
When do people say it?
In Cantonese culture, you can use 哥哥 to address a male who is slightly older than yourself to express friendliness or familiarity, even if you do not share a biological relation.
Did you know?
- The term 大哥 is frequently used in Cantonese pop culture and cinema to refer to a 'big brother' in the context of a triad or gang leader.
- In romantic contexts, some women use 哥哥 as a pet name for a partner, similar to how 'oppa' is used in Korean.
- In some traditional Cantonese households, a younger sibling might never call their 哥哥 by his given name, as it would be considered disrespectful.
Examples in context
- Tom係我哥哥。Tom is my older brother.This sentence is useful for identifying a person as your 哥哥.Tatoeba #4826842 by kaenif, translation #1495832 by CK
- 我哥哥好高。ngo5 go1 go1 hou2 gou1.My older brother is very tall.
- 呢位係我哥哥。ni1 wai2 hai6 ngo5 go1 go1.This person is my older brother.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their families at a cafe.
- 志強 Chi Keung你哥哥喺邊度呀？nei5 go1 go1 hai2 bin1 dou6 aa3?Where is your older brother?
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan我哥哥而家喺屋企。ngo5 go1 go1 ji4 gaai1 hai2 uk1 kei2.My older brother is at home right now.
- 志強 Chi Keung你哥哥今日有冇事？nei5 go1 go1 gam1 jat6 jau5 mou5 si6?Is your older brother busy today?
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan佢今日好忙呀。keoi5 gam1 jat6 hou2 mong4 aa3.He is very busy today.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
