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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'older brother' with 哥哥 (gēge)

    Description & Modification
    Existence & Possession

    Structure

    哥哥 + Verb Phrase

    Explanation

    The noun 哥哥 (gēge) means 'older brother' and is one of the core family relationship terms in Chinese. It can refer to an actual older brother or be used as a respectful or affectionate form of address for an older male peer. The single-character form 哥 is also widely used.

    Examples

    • 我哥哥比我大三岁，在北京工作。

      wǒ gēge bǐ wǒ dà sān suì, zài Běijīng gōngzuò.

      My older brother is three years older than me and works in Beijing.

    • 哥哥，你什么时候回家吃饭？

      gēge, nǐ shénme shíhou huí jiā chīfàn?

      Brother, when are you coming home for dinner?

    • 小时候哥哥总是让着我。

      xiǎoshíhou gēge zǒngshì ràng zhe wǒ.

      When I was little, my older brother always let me have my way.

    Often Confused With

    Expressing 'older brother' with 哥哥 (gēge) | Chinese Grammar