兄 (xiōng) - elder brother & a respectful term for an older male friend
兄 · xiōng
elder brother;
a respectful term for an older male friend or colleague.
elder brothera respectful term for an older male friend
Usage highlights
elder brotherbrotherssworn brotherbrotherhoodfather and brotherscousins
Usage & contexts
Examples
- My elder brother is a teacher (兄长).
- He is my sworn brother (结拜兄弟).
- I have an older brother (我有一个哥哥).
- He is like an elder brother to me (他像兄长一样照顾我).
Collocations
- elder brother(兄长)
- brothers(兄弟)
- sworn brother(结拜兄弟)
- brotherhood(兄弟情谊)
- father and brothers(父兄)
- cousins(表兄弟)
Idioms
- Brothers are like hands and feet(兄弟如手足)
- Fraternal love and respect(兄友弟恭)
- Treat with the courtesy due to an elder brother(事兄如事父)
Cultural background
FAQ- In traditional Chinese culture, the elder brother holds a position of authority and responsibility within the family hierarchy.
- The concept of 'brotherhood' extends beyond blood relations to include sworn brothers and close friends, emphasizing loyalty and mutual support.
- Confucian ethics emphasize the proper relationship between elder and younger brothers as one of the fundamental human relationships.