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伯伯 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
伯伯bóbofather's elder brotherHSK 7, unknown, 14 strokes, rank #24205, Very Hard
伯伯bóbouncleHSK 7, unknown, 14 strokes, rank #24205, Very Hard
bóbo(bo2bo5)bo bo T2
  1. 1father's elder brother
  2. 2uncle
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March 24, 2026

伯伯bóbo(bo2bo5)

伯伯 (bóbo) refers specifically to one's father's elder brother, commonly translated as 'uncle' in English. This term is used in familial contexts to denote respect for the elder relatives and is important in discussions of family hierarchy.

Strokes14Frequency#24205DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, family hierarchy and respect for elders are deeply ingrained, making terms like '伯伯' significant in daily life. This word reflects the importance of familial ties and the roles of relatives in social gatherings and events.

Memory tip

Imagine a big, friendly bear (bó) who is your uncle. The bear is older than you, representing the elder brother in the family. The repetition in '伯伯' emphasizes the warmth and familiarity of this family relationship, just like a bear hug!

Meanings of 伯伯

bóbo(bo2bo5)
1father's elder brother
2uncle
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About 伯伯

伯伯Simplified
14Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2

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Podcast: 伯伯

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AI study notes for 伯伯

Quick Contrast

叔叔 (shūshu) refers to one's father's younger brother; use 伯伯 for the elder brother.

Usage Notes

While '伯伯' is used in informal, everyday conversation, it may not be suitable in formal contexts where titles like '叔叔' (younger uncle) or '父亲的兄弟' (father's brother) are preferred. Be cautious with tone, as mispronouncing the tones can change the meaning entirely.

HSK Study Tips

Although '伯伯' may not appear in early HSK levels, it’s a useful word for understanding family relationships, which are often emphasized in language learning. Students should focus on the correct tones and practice using it in family-related conversations.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 伯伯 with 叔叔 (shūshu), which means 'younger uncle.' It's important to remember that 伯伯 is specifically for the elder brother of your father. A common mistake is saying '我有一个叔叔' (I have an uncle) when referring to a 伯伯.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 伯伯

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Component characters

伯bàone hundred (old)
7 strokes亻
View full entry
伯bàone hundred (old)
7 strokes亻
View full entry

How to say father's elder brother in Chinese

“father's elder brother” in Chinese is伯伯bóbo

伯伯 (bóbo) refers specifically to one's father's elder brother, commonly translated as 'uncle' in English. This term is used in familial contexts to denote respect for the elder relatives and is important in discussions of family hierarchy.

When to use 伯伯

While '伯伯' is used in informal, everyday conversation, it may not be suitable in formal contexts where titles like '叔叔' (younger uncle) or '父亲的兄弟' (father's brother) are preferred. Be cautious with tone, as mispronouncing the tones can change the meaning entirely.

伯伯 or something close to it

叔叔 (shūshu) refers to one's father's younger brother; use 伯伯 for the elder brother.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 伯伯 with 叔叔 (shūshu), which means 'younger uncle.' It's important to remember that 伯伯 is specifically for the elder brother of your father. A common mistake is saying '我有一个叔叔' (I have an uncle) when referring to a 伯伯.

Write 伯伯

伯
伯

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Frequently asked questions about 伯伯

You can say, '我的伯伯很喜欢打麻将' (My uncle loves to play mahjong).

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