妹 (mèi) - Younger sister & a term for a young female

妹Tone 4

mèi ｜ 8 strokes ｜ radical: 女

伦妙

妹 · mèi

Younger sister;

a term for a young female;

sometimes used affectionately for a younger woman.

Younger sistera term for a young femalesometimes used affectionately for a younger woman.

Usage highlights

Younger sisterLittle sisterSistersYounger female cousinYounger female apprenticeCountry girl

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 姐— older sister
  • 兄— older brother

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • My younger sister (妹妹) is very cute.
  • She has two younger sisters (两个妹妹).
  • This is my little sister (小妹).
  • The older sister takes care of the younger sister (姐姐照顾妹妹).

Collocations

  • Younger sister(妹妹)
  • Little sister(小妹)
  • Sisters(姐妹)
  • Younger female cousin(表妹)
  • Younger sister-in-law(弟妹)
  • Younger female apprentice(师妹)

Idioms

  • Sisters are like flowers(姐妹如花)
  • Brothers and sisters(兄弟姐妹)
  • Hand in hand like sisters(情同姐妹)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese family structure, '妹' denotes birth order and gender, carrying connotations of youth and often needing protection.
  • Used in modern slang and affectionate terms for young women, sometimes with regional variations (e.g., 靓妹 in Cantonese).

FAQ