Meanings of 长辈
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About 长辈
Podcast: 长辈
Podcast: 长辈
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AI Study Notes for 长辈
长辈 (zhǎng bèi) vs 前辈 (qián bèi) — use 长辈 for family elders, while 前辈 refers to senior figures in a professional or academic context.
Be mindful of the context in which you use 长辈, as it is often employed in formal or respectful discussions. A common mistake is to confuse it with the word 朋友 (péng yǒu), which means 'friends'; remember that 长辈 refers specifically to elders.
As an HSK Level 5 word, 长辈 connects with themes of family and social hierarchy that are prevalent in other vocabulary at this level. Students should focus on using it in sentences that illustrate respect and relationships within the family.
Learners often incorrectly use 长辈 to refer to peers, such as saying '我的长辈是我的朋友' (wǒ de zhǎng bèi shì wǒ de péng yǒu), which is incorrect. The correct usage is '我的长辈是我的叔叔' (wǒ de zhǎng bèi shì wǒ de shūshu), meaning 'My elder is my uncle.'
Pronunciation of 长辈
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Component Characters
How to say one's elders in Chinese
“one's elders” in Chinese is长辈
长辈 (zhǎng bèi) refers to one's elders or older generation, encompassing relatives or respected figures who are older than oneself. It is commonly used in familial and social contexts to show respect and acknowledgment of wisdom and experience.
When to use 长辈
Be mindful of the context in which you use 长辈, as it is often employed in formal or respectful discussions. A common mistake is to confuse it with the word 朋友 (péng yǒu), which means 'friends'; remember that 长辈 refers specifically to elders.
长辈 or something close to it
长辈 (zhǎng bèi) vs 前辈 (qián bèi) — use 长辈 for family elders, while 前辈 refers to senior figures in a professional or academic context.
What learners get wrong
Learners often incorrectly use 长辈 to refer to peers, such as saying '我的长辈是我的朋友' (wǒ de zhǎng bèi shì wǒ de péng yǒu), which is incorrect. The correct usage is '我的长辈是我的叔叔' (wǒ de zhǎng bèi shì wǒ de shūshu), meaning 'My elder is my uncle.'
Write 长辈
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Practice writing 长辈 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 长辈
长辈 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 2 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.
Complete the Sentence
哪有你这么说话的？好歹我也是你的____。
How can you talk like that? I am your elder, after all.
Example Sentences for 长辈 (1)
Frequently Asked Questions about 长辈
You can say, '我尊重我的长辈' (wǒ zūnzhòng wǒ de zhǎng bèi), meaning 'I respect my elders.'
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