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爷 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
爷
yé
grandpa
ng, 6 strokes, radical 父, rank #12193, Very Hard
爷
yé
old gentleman
ng, 6 strokes, radical 父, rank #12193, Very Hard
爷
yé
grandfather, old man
ng, 6 strokes, radical 父, rank #12193, Very Hard
yé(ye2)ye T2
1grandpa
2old gentleman
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March 24, 2026
爷(爺)yé(ye2)
The character 爷 (yé) primarily means 'grandfather' or 'old gentleman.' It is often used affectionately to refer to one's grandparent or an elderly man. In informal contexts, it can also imply respect towards older males.
Strokes6Radical父Frequency#12193DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, respect for elders is paramount, and the term 爷 reflects this value, often used in familial or respectful address. Traditional family structures often include multiple generations living together, making the role of a grandfather significant.
Memory tip
Imagine a wise old man (爷) sitting under a tree, sharing stories with his grandchildren. The character's top part resembles a roof, suggesting wisdom and shelter, while the bottom part can remind you of a figure sitting down, embodying the elder's presence.
Meanings of 爷
yé(ye2)
1grandpa
2old gentleman
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 爷
爷Simplified
爺Traditional
6Strokes
父Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#12193Frequency Rank
Podcast: 爷
Podcast: 爷
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AI study notes for 爷
Quick Contrast
爷 (yé) vs 祖父 (zǔfù) — use 爷 for affectionate or informal contexts, while 祖父 is more formal and specific to 'grandfather'.
Usage Notes
A common mistake is to confuse 爷 (yé) with 叔 (shū) or other terms for relatives, which can lead to incorrect family references. While it can be used informally, it's best to use 爷 in a respectful context, such as when talking about one's grandfather or addressing older men.
HSK Study Tips
Though not in HSK levels, understanding 爷 can enhance vocabulary related to family and respect. Students should focus on the familial terms associated with age, such as 奶奶 (nǎinai - grandmother) and 祖父 (zǔfù - grandfather).
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 爷 (yé) to refer to older women, which is incorrect. The correct term for grandmother is 奶奶 (nǎinai). Another mistake is using it in overly formal contexts where a more respectful term like 祖父 (zǔfù) would be appropriate.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 爷
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爷 = 父 + 耶. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 爷
IDS Structure⿱父卩
爷Full character
=
父fu4
top
卩jie2
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 爷?
How to say grandpa in Chinese
“grandpa” in Chinese is爷yé
The character 爷 (yé) primarily means 'grandfather' or 'old gentleman.' It is often used affectionately to refer to one's grandparent or an elderly man. In informal contexts, it can also imply respect towards older males.
When to use 爷
A common mistake is to confuse 爷 (yé) with 叔 (shū) or other terms for relatives, which can lead to incorrect family references. While it can be used informally, it's best to use 爷 in a respectful context, such as when talking about one's grandfather or addressing older men.
爷 or something close to it
爷 (yé) vs 祖父 (zǔfù) — use 爷 for affectionate or informal contexts, while 祖父 is more formal and specific to 'grandfather'.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 爷 (yé) to refer to older women, which is incorrect. The correct term for grandmother is 奶奶 (nǎinai). Another mistake is using it in overly formal contexts where a more respectful term like 祖父 (zǔfù) would be appropriate.
Write 爷
爷
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Grammar patterns of 爷
爷 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
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Cultural Notes for 爷
💡Did you know?
In Chinese culture, grandfathers are often respected figures within the family, known for their wisdom and life experiences. They are usually called '爷' and play a significant role in family traditions and values.
Word Family of 爷
Words containing this character20
爷爷yéye(coll.) father's father爺爺
爷yégrandpa爺
老天爷lǎotiānyéGod老天爺
大爷dàyeuncle大爺
少爷shàoyeson of the boss少爺
老爷lǎoyemaster老爺
老爷子lǎoyézimy (you etc) old father老爺子
爷们yémenhusbands and their fathers etc爺們
王爷wángyeprince王爺
老爷爷lǎoyéye(coll.) father's father's father老爺爺
老爷车lǎoyechēclassic car老爺車
老大爷lǎodàyéuncle老大爺
爷们儿yémenrhusbands and their fathers etc爺們兒
老佛爷lǎofóyénickname for Empress Dowager Cixi 慈禧太后[Cíxǐtàihòu]老佛爺
财神爷cáishényégod of wealth財神爺
姑爷gūyeson-in-law (used by wife's family)姑爺
姥爷lǎoyematernal grandfather (dialectal)姥爺
老太爷lǎotàiyéesteemed father老太爺
佛爷fóyeBuddha佛爺
太爷tàiyésb's father太爺
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 爷
What does 爷爷 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 爷
爷 (yé) can be considered a formal term when used to show respect for older men, but it can also be used in a familial and informal context when referring to one's grandfather.
爷 (yé) specifically refers to 'grandfather' in a more casual or affectionate sense, while 祖父 (zǔfù) is a more formal term for 'grandfather.' Both can be used, but the context and relationship often dictate which is more appropriate.
爷 (yé) means 'grandfather' or 'old gentleman' in Chinese. It is often used as a term of respect for older men and can also refer to grandfathers in a familial context.
You can use 爷 (yé) in a sentence like '我爷爷喜欢喝茶,' which means 'My grandfather likes to drink tea.' It’s a common way to refer to one's grandfather in conversations.
Yes, but it is best used in a respectful context, as it can imply familiarity and affection.
Primarily, yes; however, it can also be used as a term of respect for older men.
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