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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "older sister" with 姐姐 (jiějie)

    Description & Modification

    Explanation

    姐姐 (jiějie) means "older sister" and is a kinship noun used to address or refer to a female sibling who is older than the speaker. It can also be used as a polite or affectionate term for young women who are slightly older. The reduplication of 姐 is standard in spoken Chinese.

    Examples

    • 姐姐帮我检查了作业。

      Jiějie bāng wǒ jiǎnchá le zuòyè.

      My older sister helped me check my homework.

    • 我姐姐比我大三岁。

      Wǒ jiějie bǐ wǒ dà sān suì.

      My older sister is three years older than me.

    • 姐姐,你什么时候回家?

      Jiějie, nǐ shénme shíhòu huí jiā?

      Sis, when are you coming home?

    Expressing "older sister" with 姐姐 (jiějie) | Chinese Grammar