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March 24, 2026
姐姐jiějie(jie3jie5)
姐姐 (jiějie) refers to an older sister in a familial context. It is commonly used in both formal and informal situations to denote respect and affection towards an older female sibling. This term can also be used more broadly to refer to older female friends or acquaintances.
Strokes16Frequency#1112DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the role of an older sister (姐姐) is often seen as a caregiver and a role model for younger siblings, emphasizing the importance of family hierarchy and respect within familial relationships.
Memory Tip
Imagine a graceful older sister (姐姐) leading her younger sibling by the hand. The character 姐 combines the radical 女 (female) with the sound component 也 (yě), suggesting a nurturing and caring figure. Picture her wearing a beautiful dress, as the 女 radical hints at femininity.
Meanings of 姐姐
jiějie(jie3jie5)
1older sister
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About 姐姐
姐姐Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1112Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L2HSK 3.0L1ElementaryTOCFLL1HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 姐姐
Podcast: 姐姐
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AI Study Notes for 姐姐
Quick Contrast
姐姐 (older sister) vs 妹妹 (younger sister) — use 姐姐 when referring to an older female sibling, not a younger one.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 姐姐 with 妹妹 (mèimei), which means younger sister. Remember that 姐姐 is used to refer to older sisters, while 妹妹 is for younger ones. In informal settings, you might hear it in phrases like '我姐姐' (wǒ jiějie) meaning 'my older sister.'
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 2 word, 姐姐 is useful when discussing family and relationships. Students should focus on using it in sentences to describe family roles and practice with related vocabulary, such as 妹妹 (younger sister) and 哥哥 (older brother).
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse the tones and say 'jie1 jie' instead of 'jie3 jie', which alters the meaning. Additionally, using 姐姐 to refer to someone who is not a sister can lead to misunderstandings; ensure that it is appropriate to use in context.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 姐姐
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姐姐 (jiějie) refers to an older sister in a familial context. It is commonly used in both formal and informal situations to denote respect and affection towards an older female sibling. This term can also be used more broadly to refer to older female friends or acquaintances.
When to use 姐姐
Common mistakes include confusing 姐姐 with 妹妹 (mèimei), which means younger sister. Remember that 姐姐 is used to refer to older sisters, while 妹妹 is for younger ones. In informal settings, you might hear it in phrases like '我姐姐' (wǒ jiějie) meaning 'my older sister.'
姐姐 or something close to it
姐姐 (older sister) vs 妹妹 (younger sister) — use 姐姐 when referring to an older female sibling, not a younger one.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes confuse the tones and say 'jie1 jie' instead of 'jie3 jie', which alters the meaning. Additionally, using 姐姐 to refer to someone who is not a sister can lead to misunderstandings; ensure that it is appropriate to use in context.
Write 姐姐
姐
姐
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Grammar Patterns of 姐姐
姐姐 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.
