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March 24, 2026
哥gē(ge1)
The character 哥 (gē) means 'elder brother' and is commonly used to refer to one's older male sibling. In a broader sense, it can also be used informally to address or refer to older male friends or acquaintances, expressing familiarity or respect.
Strokes10Radical口Frequency#1528DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of hierarchy within the family is significant, and the term 哥 reflects not just a sibling relationship but also social dynamics and respect for elders.
Memory Tip
Imagine a big brother (哥哥, gēge) who is always there to guide you, just like a 'guy' who is a bit older and wiser. The character 哥 combines the mouth radical (口) and the sound component (哥), emphasizing the idea of someone speaking with authority and care.
Meanings of 哥
gē(ge1)
1elder brother
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About 哥
哥Simplified
10Strokes
口Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1528Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L1TOCFLL1YCTL1
Podcast: 哥
Podcast: 哥
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AI Study Notes for 哥
Quick Contrast
哥 (gē) vs 兄 (xiōng) — use 哥 for informal or familiar contexts, while 兄 is more formal or literary.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 哥 with 妹 (mèi), which means 'younger sister.' Note that 哥 is informal; in formal contexts, you might use 兄 (xiōng). Be careful with tones; saying 'gě' instead of 'gē' can change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
Though not listed in HSK levels, 哥 is often introduced in beginner conversations related to family. Students should focus on its usage in familial contexts and how it connects to other family-related vocabulary like 妹 (younger sister) and 姐 (older sister).
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up 哥 with the character for younger siblings, like 妹 (mèi). For example, saying '我有一个妹' (wǒ yǒu yī gè mèi) instead of 哥 would be incorrect, as it implies a younger sister instead of an elder brother.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 哥
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How Well Do You Know 哥?
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Learning Lab
Knowing 哥 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
The character 哥 (gē) means 'elder brother' and is commonly used to refer to one's older male sibling. In a broader sense, it can also be used informally to address or refer to older male friends or acquaintances, expressing familiarity or respect.
When to use 哥
Common mistakes include confusing 哥 with 妹 (mèi), which means 'younger sister.' Note that 哥 is informal; in formal contexts, you might use 兄 (xiōng). Be careful with tones; saying 'gě' instead of 'gē' can change the meaning entirely.
哥 or something close to it
哥 (gē) vs 兄 (xiōng) — use 哥 for informal or familiar contexts, while 兄 is more formal or literary.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mix up 哥 with the character for younger siblings, like 妹 (mèi). For example, saying '我有一个妹' (wǒ yǒu yī gè mèi) instead of 哥 would be incorrect, as it implies a younger sister instead of an elder brother.
Write 哥
哥
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Grammar Patterns of 哥
哥 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
