伯伯 en 30 segundos
- 伯伯 specifically means your father's elder brother.
- Use it to address older men (father's age or older) as a sign of respect.
- The second 'bo' is usually a neutral tone (bóbo).
- Distinguish it from 叔叔 (younger uncle) and 舅舅 (maternal uncle).
The term 伯伯 (bóbo) is a fundamental noun in the Chinese language, primarily used to identify one's father's elder brother. In the complex web of Chinese kinship, precision is paramount; unlike the broad English term 'uncle,' which can refer to any male relative of a parent's generation, '伯伯' specifically denotes the seniority relative to one's father. This word is a cornerstone of the Confucian emphasis on hierarchy and familial structure. When you use '伯伯,' you are not just naming a relative; you are acknowledging a specific position of respect within the family tree.
- Strict Biological Definition
- Specifically the brother of your father who was born before your father. If your father has multiple elder brothers, they are often distinguished by seniority: 大伯 (dàbó) for the eldest, 二伯 (èrbó) for the second eldest, and so on.
Beyond the biological family, '伯伯' is widely employed as a polite honorific for men of one's father's generation or older. This social extension is a vital part of Chinese etiquette. If you meet a neighbor, a friend's father, or even a helpful stranger who appears to be roughly the age of your father or older, calling him '伯伯' (often preceded by his surname, like '王伯伯' - Uncle Wang) demonstrates high social intelligence and respect. It bridges the gap between formal distance and familial warmth, creating a sense of community.
邻居家的伯伯每天早上都去公园散步。(The uncle from next door goes for a walk in the park every morning.)
In literary or historical contexts, '伯' also signifies a rank of nobility, similar to an 'Earl' or 'Count.' This historical weight adds a layer of dignity to the term. When a child is taught to address an elder as '伯伯,' they are participating in a linguistic tradition that dates back thousands of years, reinforcing the values of filial piety and social order. It is common to see children in China being prompted by their parents to '叫伯伯' (call him Uncle) when meeting male acquaintances. This practice socializes children into the hierarchical nature of Chinese interpersonal relationships from a very young age.
- Social Contexts
- Used at family reunions, Lunar New Year gatherings, and community events. It is the go-to term for showing respect to older males without the coldness of '先生' (Mr.).
李伯伯，这是我送给您的礼物。(Uncle Li, this is a gift I brought for you.)
Furthermore, '伯伯' carries a connotation of protection and wisdom. Because the '伯' is the elder brother, he traditionally held significant authority in the extended family after the grandfather. This legacy persists in the way the word feels to a native speaker—it suggests someone who is experienced, dependable, and deserving of a listening ear. Whether you are navigating a family dinner or asking for directions from an older man in Beijing, mastering '伯伯' is an essential step in sounding culturally fluent and polite.
Using 伯伯 (bóbo) in a sentence requires an understanding of its role as both a specific kinship term and a general honorific. Syntactically, it functions as a standard noun. It can be the subject of a sentence, the object of a verb, or a vocative used to get someone's attention. One of the most common patterns is [Surname] + 伯伯, which is the standard way to address an older male acquaintance.
- As a Subject
- '伯伯喜欢下棋。' (Uncle likes to play chess.) Here, '伯伯' acts as the agent performing the action. It is often preceded by a possessive like '我的' (my), though in direct address or within family contexts, '我的' is frequently dropped.
我的伯伯是一位著名的医生。(My uncle is a famous doctor.)
When using '伯伯' to address a stranger or a neighbor, the sentence often begins with the term to establish a polite tone. For example, '伯伯，请问去超市怎么走？' (Uncle, may I ask how to get to the supermarket?). This use of '伯伯' softens the request and makes the speaker appear well-mannered. It is important to note that you should only use '伯伯' for men who are clearly older than your father. If the man is younger than your father, the correct term is '叔叔' (shūshu).
- As an Object
- '我昨天见到了王伯伯。' (I met Uncle Wang yesterday.) In this case, '王伯伯' is the recipient of the action '见到' (met).
我们要给伯伯拜年。(We need to pay a New Year visit to Uncle.)
In more formal or written Chinese, you might encounter '伯父' (bófù). While '伯伯' is colloquial and warm, '伯父' is formal and often used in literature or when speaking about someone's uncle in a respectful, third-person context. However, for daily conversation, '伯伯' remains the dominant choice. When describing relationships, you might say '他是我的大伯' (He is my father's eldest brother), where '大伯' is a specific variation of '伯伯'.
- Possessive Structures
- '伯伯的家' (Uncle's house). The particle '的' (de) is used to show possession, just like with any other noun. '这是伯伯的书。' (This is Uncle's book.)
张伯伯的儿子在上海工作。(Uncle Zhang's son works in Shanghai.)
You will hear 伯伯 (bóbo) in a variety of real-life settings across the Chinese-speaking world. Its most common occurrence is within the family home, particularly during multi-generational gatherings. During festivals like the Mid-Autumn Festival or the Spring Festival, the house is filled with cries of '伯伯!' as nephews and nieces greet their father's elder brothers. It is a word that carries the atmosphere of steam from dumplings and the crackle of fireworks—it is synonymous with family reunion.
- Community and Neighborhoods
- In traditional Chinese neighborhoods (like Hutongs in Beijing or Lilongs in Shanghai), neighbors often treat each other like extended family. You will hear children and young adults calling the older men who live nearby '伯伯' as a sign of neighborhood solidarity. A child might say, '陈伯伯，我帮你拿报纸吧？' (Uncle Chen, shall I help you get the newspaper?).
在小区里，大家都会亲切地叫他“老伯伯”。(In the residential complex, everyone affectionately calls him 'Old Uncle'.)
Another place you'll frequently encounter '伯伯' is in public service and storytelling. In children's books and television shows, characters like '警察伯伯' (Uncle Policeman) or '邮递员伯伯' (Uncle Postman) are common. This usage aims to make authority figures seem more approachable and trustworthy to children. It transforms a professional relationship into a semi-familial one, reflecting the Chinese cultural tendency to view society as a large, interconnected family.
- Traditional Markets
- When bargaining or interacting with older male vendors at a wet market, using '伯伯' can sometimes yield a 'friendship price.' It signals that you are a polite, well-raised young person, which vendors often appreciate. '伯伯，这个苹果多少钱一斤？' (Uncle, how much is a jin of these apples?).
那个卖菜的伯伯总是多给我一把葱。(That vegetable-selling uncle always gives me an extra handful of green onions.)
Lastly, in literature and cinema, '伯伯' is used to evoke nostalgia or moral authority. A protagonist might return to their village and seek advice from a '伯伯' who represents the wisdom of the previous generation. In these contexts, the word is heavy with the themes of roots, heritage, and the passage of time. Understanding '伯伯' is therefore not just about learning a word for a relative; it is about tuning into the frequency of Chinese social harmony.
For English speakers, the most frequent mistake when using 伯伯 (bóbo) is over-generalization. In English, 'uncle' covers every male relative of your parents' generation. In Chinese, however, using '伯伯' for your mother's brother is a significant error. Your mother's brother is your 舅舅 (jiùjiu). Calling him '伯伯' would be confusing and factually incorrect within the kinship system.
- Mistake 1: The Age Hierarchy
- Using '伯伯' for a man who is younger than your father. This is a social faux pas. If the man is younger than your father, you must use '叔叔' (shūshu). Using '伯伯' might inadvertently suggest the man looks older than he is, which can be seen as impolite.
错误：对我爸爸的弟弟说：“伯伯好。” (Wrong: Saying 'Hello Uncle (Elder)' to my father's younger brother.)
Another common error involves the tone. While '伯' is second tone (bó), the second character in '伯伯' is usually neutral. Beginners often over-emphasize the second 'bo,' making the word sound robotic or like they are calling for someone in a formal document. The natural pronunciation is a quick rise on the first syllable followed by a light, short drop on the second.
- Mistake 2: Maternal vs. Paternal
- Confusing '伯伯' with '舅舅' (mother's brother) or '姑丈' (father's sister's husband). Chinese kinship is paternal-centric. '伯伯' is strictly for your father's side and specifically for his brothers.
正确：我爸爸的哥哥是我的伯伯。(Correct: My father's elder brother is my bóbo.)
Lastly, learners sometimes forget to use the surname when addressing someone they aren't related to. Just saying '伯伯' to a neighbor you know well can be okay, but '王伯伯' or '李伯伯' is the more standard, respectful way to address them. Omitting the surname can sometimes feel a bit too intimate or like a child speaking, whereas adding the surname shows you recognize their individual identity within the community.
To truly master 伯伯 (bóbo), one must understand how it fits into the broader vocabulary of male elders. The Chinese language is rich with specific terms that English collapses into 'uncle' or 'mister.' Knowing the alternatives allows for precise social navigation.
- 伯伯 vs. 叔叔 (shūshu)
- '伯伯' is for father's elder brothers or older men. '叔叔' is for father's younger brothers or younger men (but still older than the speaker). In social settings, '叔叔' is the most common term for any adult male who isn't elderly.
- 伯伯 vs. 舅舅 (jiùjiu)
- '舅舅' is specifically your mother's brother. There is no distinction in '舅舅' between older or younger than the mother—they are all '舅舅.' This is a vital distinction in the paternal-oriented Chinese naming system.
- 伯伯 vs. 伯父 (bófù)
- '伯父' is the formal version of '伯伯.' You will see '伯父' in letters, formal introductions, or literature. While you might call your uncle '伯伯' to his face, you might refer to him as '我伯父' when speaking to a teacher or a business associate.
比起“叔叔”，叫“伯伯”通常显得对方更有资历。(Compared to 'shūshu', calling someone 'bóbo' usually makes them seem more senior/experienced.)
In some regional variations, such as in Northern China, '大爷' (dàye) is used for men who are significantly older, similar to '伯伯.' However, '大爷' can sometimes be tricky because the tone change (dàye vs. dàyé) can change the meaning to 'lord/master' or even be used sarcastically. '伯伯' remains the safest and most universally understood polite term across all regions of China and the diaspora.
- Comparison Table
Term Relation Social Use 伯伯 Father's Elder Brother Older men (Father's age+) 叔叔 Father's Younger Brother Middle-aged men 舅舅 Mother's Brother Rarely used for non-relatives
How Formal Is It?
Dato curioso
The character '伯' is also part of the word '伯乐' (Bó Lè), a legendary figure famous for his ability to judge horses. Today, '伯乐' means a talent scout!
Guía de pronunciación
- Pronouncing the second 'bo' with a full second tone (bóbó). It should be neutral (bóbo).
- Making the 'b' sound too aspirated. In Pinyin, 'b' is an unaspirated 'p' sound.
- Failing to rise the pitch enough on the first syllable.
- Pronouncing it like the English name 'Bob'.
- Confusing it with 'pāpā' (slang for something else) due to incorrect initials.
Nivel de dificultad
Characters are relatively simple but '伯' can be confused with '怕' (pà) or '拍' (pāi).
The right side of '伯' (白) is easy, but the radical '亻' must be placed correctly.
The second tone followed by a neutral tone is a common Mandarin pattern.
Easily recognized in context, though regional accents might vary the 'o' sound.
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Requisitos previos
Aprende después
Avanzado
Gramática que debes saber
Reduplication of Kinship Terms
爸爸, 妈妈, 伯伯, 叔叔 (All follow the AA pattern with a neutral tone on the second syllable).
Titles after Surnames
Surname + Title: 王 + 伯伯 = 王伯伯 (Uncle Wang).
Omission of '的' in Close Relationships
我伯伯 (My uncle) instead of 我的伯伯 (though both are correct).
Measure Words for People
一位伯伯 (polite), 一个伯伯 (neutral).
Vocative Use
伯伯，请坐。(Using the title as a direct address).
Ejemplos por nivel
他是我的伯伯。
He is my uncle (father's elder brother).
Simple A is B structure using '是'.
伯伯，您好！
Hello, Uncle!
Use of '您' for respect when addressing an elder.
伯伯喜欢吃苹果。
Uncle likes to eat apples.
Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) pattern.
我有两个伯伯。
I have two uncles (father's elder brothers).
Use of '两个' (two) with the measure word '个'.
伯伯在看报纸。
Uncle is reading the newspaper.
Present continuous using '在'.
那是王伯伯的家。
That is Uncle Wang's house.
Possessive '的' used with a name and title.
伯伯今年六十岁。
Uncle is sixty years old this year.
Stating age directly without the verb '是'.
我爱我的伯伯。
I love my uncle.
Expressing emotion with '爱'.
我的大伯住在北京。
My eldest uncle lives in Beijing.
'大伯' specifies the eldest of the father's brothers.
伯伯送给我一本书。
Uncle gave me a book.
Double object construction: Subject + Verb + Indirect Object + Direct Object.
张伯伯每天都去公园。
Uncle Zhang goes to the park every day.
Use of '每天都' to indicate habitual action.
请问，这位伯伯是谁？
Excuse me, who is this uncle?
Polite question using '这位' (this) and '谁' (who).
伯伯做的饭很好吃。
The food Uncle cooks is delicious.
Attributive clause: [Person + 做的] + 饭.
我和伯伯一起下棋。
I play chess together with Uncle.
Using '和...一起' to mean 'together with'.
伯伯的头发白了。
Uncle's hair has turned white.
Change of state indicated by '了'.
邻居伯伯在浇花。
The neighbor uncle is watering the flowers.
Noun as a modifier: '邻居' (neighbor) modifies '伯伯'.
过年的时候，我们要去伯伯家拜年。
During the New Year, we need to go to Uncle's house to pay a New Year visit.
Time phrase '...的时候' used to set the context.
李伯伯虽然年纪大了，但身体很健康。
Although Uncle Li is old, his health is very good.
Conjunction '虽然...但...' (although... but...).
我伯伯是一位非常有经验的工程师。
My uncle is a very experienced engineer.
Use of '一位' as a respectful measure word for people.
你应该向伯伯学习，他很勤奋。
You should learn from Uncle; he is very hardworking.
Structure '向...学习' (learn from someone).
伯伯经常给我们讲过去的故事。
Uncle often tells us stories about the past.
Adverb '经常' (often) placed before the verb.
那个警察伯伯帮我找到了路。
That uncle policeman helped me find the way.
Polite social title '警察伯伯'.
伯伯嘱咐我要好好学习。
Uncle urged me to study hard.
Verb '嘱咐' (to urge/exhort) used in a reporting context.
伯伯的果园里有很多苹果树。
There are many apple trees in Uncle's orchard.
Locative phrase '...里' (inside/in).
在我心中，伯伯一直是一个正直的人。
In my heart, Uncle has always been an upright person.
Abstract phrase '在...心中' (in someone's heart/mind).
伯伯退休后，开始迷上了书法。
After Uncle retired, he became obsessed with calligraphy.
Verb '迷上' (to become obsessed with/hooked on).
虽然他是我的邻居，但我一直把他当成亲伯伯。
Although he is my neighbor, I have always treated him like my own uncle.
Structure '把...当成' (to treat/regard as).
伯伯见多识广，总能给我提供好的建议。
Uncle is experienced and knowledgeable; he can always provide me with good advice.
Four-character idiom '见多识广' (experienced and knowledgeable).
由于伯伯的帮助，我才度过了难关。
It was only because of Uncle's help that I got through the difficulty.
Causal structure '由于...才...'.
伯伯对这片土地有着深厚的感情。
Uncle has deep feelings for this land.
Structure '对...有着...的感情'.
信中，我表达了对伯父的思念之情。
In the letter, I expressed my feelings of missing my uncle.
Use of the formal '伯父' in a written context.
伯伯那辈人经历了很多苦难。
The people of Uncle's generation went through a lot of suffering.
Phrase '...那辈人' (that generation of people).
伯伯的言行举止总是透着一种长者的风范。
Uncle's speech and behavior always reveal the demeanor of an elder.
Complex noun phrase '言行举止' (words and actions).
他那种伯伯式的关怀，让我感到十分温暖。
His uncle-like care made me feel very warm.
Adjectival use of '...式的' (style/type).
在这一带，王伯伯享有极高的声望。
In this area, Uncle Wang enjoys a very high reputation.
Formal verb '享有' (to enjoy/possess a right or reputation).
伯伯坚持认为，家族的传统是不容忽视的。
Uncle insists that family traditions cannot be ignored.
Structure '不容忽视' (cannot be ignored/overlooked).
尽管岁月流逝，伯伯依然保持着那份乐观。
Despite the passage of time, Uncle still maintains that optimism.
Conjunction '尽管...依然...' (despite... still...).
伯伯常说，做人要像竹子一样，有节气。
Uncle often says that one should be like bamboo, having integrity.
Metaphorical language using '像...一样'.
他不仅仅是我的伯伯，更是我的启蒙老师。
He is not just my uncle, but also my enlightenment teacher.
Structure '不仅仅是...更是...' (not only... but even more...).
伯伯的教诲至今仍铭刻在我的脑海里。
Uncle's teachings are still engraved in my mind to this day.
Formal verb '铭刻' (to engrave/be etched).
伯伯的一生，堪称是一部波澜壮阔的近代史缩影。
Uncle's life can be called a microcosm of the magnificent modern history.
Literary term '堪称' (can be called/rated as).
在宗法制度下，伯伯作为嫡长子，承担着家族兴衰的重任。
Under the patriarchal system, Uncle, as the eldest son, bore the heavy responsibility of the family's rise and fall.
Technical term '宗法制度' (patriarchal clan system).
伯伯那种谦逊而不失威严的性格，令晚辈们心生敬畏。
Uncle's humble yet majestic character inspired awe among the younger generation.
Complex adjective phrase '谦逊而不失威严'.
他笔下的“伯伯”形象，生动地刻画了老一代中国人的坚韧。
The image of 'Uncle' in his writing vividly depicts the resilience of the older generation of Chinese people.
Structure '他笔下的' (under his pen/in his writing).
即便是在最艰难的岁月里，伯伯也从未丧失过对生活的信念。
Even in the toughest years, Uncle never lost his faith in life.
Conjunction '即便...也...' (even if... also...).
伯伯对于古籍的研究，已经达到了炉火纯青的地步。
Uncle's research on ancient books has reached the level of perfection.
Idiom '炉火纯青' (attained a high degree of perfection).
这种深植于血缘的“伯伯”情结，是中国社会结构的重要支撑。
This 'Uncle' complex, deeply rooted in blood ties, is an important support for the Chinese social structure.
Abstract noun '情结' (complex/fixation).
在伯伯的葬礼上，全村人都来为这位德高望重的老人送行。
At Uncle's funeral, the whole village came to see off this elderly man of high prestige.
Idiom '德高望重' (of good character and high prestige).
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
— A standard, polite greeting to an older male.
见到长辈要说‘伯伯好’。(When meeting an elder, say 'Hello Uncle'.)
— Addressing an older man named Wang.
王伯伯是我们的邻居。(Uncle Wang is our neighbor.)
— The eldest of the paternal uncles.
大伯伯住在上海。(Eldest uncle lives in Shanghai.)
— An affectionate or descriptive way to refer to an elderly man.
那位老伯伯很和蔼。(That old uncle is very kind.)
— Uncle's house/home.
伯伯家很大。(Uncle's house is very big.)
— A friendly way for children to refer to a policeman.
有问题找警察伯伯。(If there's a problem, find Uncle Policeman.)
— A friendly way for children to refer to a mailman.
邮递员伯伯送信来了。(Uncle Postman has come to deliver the mail.)
— Plural form, referring to multiple paternal elder brothers.
伯伯们都回来了。(The uncles have all come back.)
— A warm, affectionate address used in letters.
亲爱的伯伯，近来好吗？(Dear Uncle, how have you been lately?)
— Uncle's words or advice.
你要听伯伯的话。(You should listen to Uncle's words.)
Se confunde a menudo con
叔叔 is for father's younger brother, while 伯伯 is for the elder brother.
舅舅 is for mother's brother. Never use 伯伯 for maternal uncles.
爷爷 is for grandfather. Using 伯伯 for a very old man might be slightly too 'young' a title.
Modismos y expresiones
— Literally 'between the first and second brother.' It means two things or people are almost equal in quality or skill.
这两位选手的水平在伯仲之间。(The levels of these two contestants are almost equal.)
Literary— Bo Le (a famous horse judge) identifying a fine horse. It refers to a person who is good at discovering talent.
他遇到了他的伯乐。(He met his 'Bo Le' - someone who recognized his talent.)
Literary/Common— Refers to someone who has no children to carry on the family name (based on the story of Deng Bo).
他虽然事业成功，可惜伯道无儿。(Although he is successful, it's a pity he has no heirs.)
Classical— A story of filial piety where Han Boyu cries when his mother's strike no longer hurts, realizing she is getting old and weak.
这个故事体现了伯俞泣杖的孝心。(This story embodies the filial heart of 'Boyu crying at the staff'.)
Classical— Referring to brothers in order of seniority.
他们几个人兄弟伯仲，感情很好。(They are brothers of various seniority and have a good relationship.)
Literary— Refers to slander or malicious talk (based on a historical figure Bo Pi).
要警惕伯嚭之谗。(Be wary of malicious slander.)
Historical— Refers to the separation of friends or lovers (like the shrike and the swallow flying in different directions).
毕业后，大家伯劳飞燕，各奔东西。(After graduation, everyone separated and went their own ways.)
Literary— An old term for a husband or elder brother going to war.
这首诗描写了伯也执殳的情景。(This poem describes the scene of the elder brother going to war.)
Classical— Bo Ya breaking the strings of his lute because his friend (who understood his music) died. Refers to losing a true soulmate/friend.
失去了他，我真有伯牙绝弦之感。(Losing him, I feel like Bo Ya breaking his lute strings.)
Literary— Refers to the virtue of the ancestors.
我们要继承伯庸之德。(We should inherit the virtue of our ancestors.)
ClassicalFácil de confundir
Often used interchangeably with 伯伯.
大伯 specifically means the eldest brother, whereas 伯伯 can be any elder brother of the father.
我有三个伯伯，大伯住在上海。
Both refer to older men.
老伯 is more often used for elderly strangers, while 伯伯 is for relatives or known acquaintances.
那位老伯正在过马路。
Same meaning.
伯父 is formal/written; 伯伯 is oral/colloquial.
我在信中向伯父问好。
Both are 'uncles' in English.
姑丈 is the husband of your father's sister.
姑丈和姑姑一起来了。
Both are 'uncles' in English.
姨丈 is the husband of your mother's sister.
姨丈在学校教书。
Patrones de oraciones
他是我的[Title]。
他是我的伯伯。
[Surname]伯伯在[Action]。
王伯伯在跑步。
我给[Title]买[Object]。
我给伯伯买报纸。
虽然...但是伯伯...
虽然下雨了，但是伯伯还是出门了。
[Title]那辈人...
伯伯那辈人很辛苦。
[Title]之德/风范...
伯伯的长者风范令人敬佩。
叫[Title]好。
跟伯伯说伯伯好。
[Title]对我很好。
伯伯对我很好。
Familia de palabras
Sustantivos
Adjetivos
Relacionado
Cómo usarlo
Very high in daily life and family contexts.
-
Calling your mother's brother 伯伯.
→
舅舅 (jiùjiu)
Chinese distinguishes between paternal and maternal uncles. 伯伯 is only for the father's side.
-
Calling your father's younger brother 伯伯.
→
叔叔 (shūshu)
伯伯 is specifically for the elder brother. Use 叔叔 for the younger one.
-
Using a full second tone for the second syllable.
→
bóbo (neutral tone)
The second syllable should be short and light. bóbó sounds like you are emphasizing each word separately.
-
Addressing a young man as 伯伯.
→
哥哥 (gēge) or 叔叔 (shūshu)
伯伯 implies the person is of your father's generation or older. Using it for a young man makes him sound old.
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Using 伯伯 in a very formal legal document.
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伯父 (bófù)
伯伯 is colloquial. In formal writing, the single-syllable based title '伯父' is preferred.
Consejos
When in doubt, use a surname
Calling a neighbor '王伯伯' (Uncle Wang) is much more polite than just '伯伯'. It shows you recognize them as an individual.
The Neutral Tone is Key
To sound like a native, make the second syllable of 伯伯 very short. Avoid saying 'bó-bó' with two rising tones.
Festival Etiquette
During Chinese New Year, always greet your 伯伯 first before the younger uncles (叔叔) to show you respect the age hierarchy.
Use Visual Aids
Draw a family tree and label the paternal side with 伯伯 and 叔叔 to help fix the distinction in your mind.
Age Sensitivity
If a man is in his 30s or 40s, call him '叔叔'. Reserve '伯伯' for men who are clearly 50 or older.
Radical Recognition
The 'person' radical (亻) in 伯 tells you the word refers to a human being. This is a common feature in kinship characters.
Watch Cartoons
Chinese cartoons for children often use '警察伯伯' or '医生伯伯'. This is a great way to hear the word used in a social, non-family context.
Compare with 舅舅
Always remind yourself: 伯伯 = Dad's side, 舅舅 = Mom's side. This is the most common point of confusion for learners.
Use with '您'
When talking to your 伯伯, it's often better to use '您' (the polite 'you') instead of '你' to show extra respect.
Learn '伯母' together
Since they usually come as a pair, learning 伯母 (uncle's wife) at the same time as 伯伯 will help you navigate family gatherings better.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Think of 'Bo' as 'B' for 'Big' and 'O' for 'Oldest'. Bo-Bo is the Big-Oldest brother of your dad.
Asociación visual
Imagine an older man with a white ('白') beard, representing the senior ('伯') member of the family.
Word Web
Desafío
Try to find three older men today (neighbors, shopkeepers) and mentally address them as '[Surname] 伯伯' to practice the social application.
Origen de la palabra
The character '伯' (bó) consists of '人' (person) on the left and '白' (white/clear) on the right. In ancient times, '白' was phonetically similar to 'leader' or 'senior.'
Significado original: The eldest of brothers. In the traditional sequence of '伯、仲、叔、季' (bó, zhòng, shū, jì), '伯' always represents the first-born.
Sino-TibetanContexto cultural
Never use '伯伯' for someone much younger than your father; they might find it offensive as it implies they look old. Stick to '叔叔' for middle-aged men.
Unlike 'Uncle,' which is used for both sides of the family, '伯伯' is strictly paternal. English speakers often struggle with this specificity.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Family Dinner
- 伯伯多吃点。
- 我敬伯伯一杯。
- 伯伯身体好吗？
- 听伯伯讲故事。
Greeting Neighbors
- 张伯伯早！
- 伯伯去买菜啊？
- 伯伯锻炼呢？
- 伯伯慢走。
Asking for Help
- 伯伯，打扰一下。
- 伯伯，您知道路吗？
- 谢谢伯伯。
- 伯伯您真热心。
Festival Visits
- 给伯伯拜年！
- 伯伯新年快乐！
- 这是给伯伯的礼物。
- 祝伯伯健康长寿。
Describing Someone
- 他是我大伯。
- 那位伯伯很面善。
- 伯伯以前是老师。
- 我伯伯很幽默。
Inicios de conversación
"伯伯，您最近身体怎么样？ (Uncle, how has your health been lately?)"
"王伯伯，您这是要去哪儿啊？ (Uncle Wang, where are you headed?)"
"伯伯，您能给我讲讲爸爸小时候的事吗？ (Uncle, can you tell me about when Dad was little?)"
"李伯伯，您对这件事是怎么看的？ (Uncle Li, what is your view on this matter?)"
"伯伯，您喜欢下棋还是打太极？ (Uncle, do you like playing chess or doing Tai Chi?)"
Temas para diario
写一写你和伯伯之间发生的一件趣事。(Write about a funny thing that happened between you and your uncle.)
如果你有一个伯伯，你希望他是什么样的人？ (If you had an uncle, what kind of person would you want him to be?)
描述一下你邻居家的伯伯。(Describe the uncle who lives in your neighborhood.)
为什么在中国文化中正确称呼‘伯伯’很重要？ (Why is it important to address 'Uncle' correctly in Chinese culture?)
谈谈你对‘伯伯’这个词的理解。(Talk about your understanding of the word 'bóbo'.)
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNo, you cannot. Mother's brothers are always called 舅舅 (jiùjiu), regardless of whether they are older or younger than your mother. Chinese kinship terms are very specific about which side of the family the person belongs to.
You distinguish them by order: the eldest is 大伯 (dàbó), the second is 二伯 (èrbó), and the third is 三伯 (sānbó). You can also call them all '伯伯' in general conversation.
Yes, it is very polite to call an older man (who looks to be your father's age or older) 伯伯. It is much warmer than saying '先生' (Mister) and shows good manners.
The second 'bo' in 伯伯 is a neutral tone. This means it is short, light, and has no specific pitch direction. It sounds like a soft 'buh' at the end of the word.
The meaning is the same, but '伯伯' is what you say out loud in daily life. '伯父' is formal and used in writing or when you want to sound very respectful in a formal setting.
Yes, that is a very common and appropriate use. You can call him '[Friend's Surname] 伯伯'. For example, if your friend is Li Hua, you can call his father '李伯伯'.
Yes, 伯伯 is standard Mandarin and understood everywhere. However, in some regions, people might use local variations like '大爷' (North) or '阿伯' (South) in casual speech.
They might feel a bit offended because it implies they look old. It's usually safer to use '叔叔' (shūshu) if you aren't sure of their age, as most men prefer to be thought of as younger.
The wife of your 伯伯 is called 伯母 (bómǔ). If you are looking for the female equivalent of 'polite address for an older person,' you would use '阿姨' (āyí) or '大妈' (dàmā).
In a very literal historical sense, '伯' means 'eldest' or 'senior.' It can also refer to a rank of nobility (Earl), but in 99% of modern contexts, it means 'uncle' or is a polite address for an older man.
Ponte a prueba 200 preguntas
Translate: 'My uncle (father's elder brother) is 60 years old.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Hello, Uncle Wang!'
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Translate: 'Uncle is drinking tea in the park.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'I have two paternal elder uncles.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Uncle gave me a birthday present.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'That old uncle is very kind.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Uncle Li is my father's friend.'
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Translate: 'I like to listen to Uncle's stories.'
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Translate: 'Is this your uncle?'
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Translate: 'Uncle's son is an engineer.'
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Write a sentence using '邻居' and '伯伯'.
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Write a sentence using '警察伯伯'.
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Translate: 'We are going to Uncle's house for dinner.'
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Translate: 'Uncle Zhang is reading a book.'
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Translate: 'My eldest uncle lives in Beijing.'
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Write the characters for 'bóbo'.
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Translate: 'Uncle, may I ask where the library is?'
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Translate: 'Uncle's hair turned white.'
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Translate: 'I love my uncle.'
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Translate: 'Uncle is very busy today.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Say 'Hello Uncle' in Chinese.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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How do you say 'My uncle is a doctor'?
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Pronounce 'bóbo' with the correct tones.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Introduce your Uncle Wang to a friend.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Ask Uncle Zhang if he has eaten.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say 'I have three uncles' (father's elder brothers).
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Tell your uncle 'Happy New Year'.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Ask an older man for directions politely using '伯伯'.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say 'Uncle's house is very big'.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Describe your uncle's hair as white.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say 'Uncle likes to play chess'.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Tell your uncle 'Thank you for the gift'.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say 'Uncle is my father's brother'.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Ask 'Who is that uncle?'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say 'Uncle is 60 years old'.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say 'Uncle Wang is our neighbor'.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say 'I am going to Uncle's house'.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say 'Uncle is very kind'.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say 'Uncle is an engineer'.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say 'Uncle, please sit down'.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Listen and identify: '爸爸的哥哥叫什么？'
Listen and identify the person: '他比我爸爸大，我叫他王什么？'
Listen to the sentence: '伯伯在喝茶。' What is he doing?
Listen to the sentence: '我伯伯家有一只狗。' What does he have?
Listen: '大伯是爸爸最大的哥哥。' Who is 大伯?
Listen: '伯伯送了我一本书。' What was the gift?
Listen: '李伯伯是医生。' What is his job?
Listen: '伯伯今年六十岁。' How old is he?
Listen: '我们要去伯伯家吃午饭。' Which meal are they having?
Listen: '那位老伯伯在散步。' What is the old uncle doing?
Listen: '伯伯的头发是白的。' What color is his hair?
Listen: '我爱我的伯伯。' How does the speaker feel?
Listen: '邻居伯伯在种花。' Where is he?
Listen: '警察伯伯很勇敢。' Who is brave?
Listen: '伯伯嘱咐我要听话。' What did he say?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 伯伯 (bóbo) is essential for showing respect to elder males in your family and community. Remember: it's only for your father's elder brothers or men of that seniority. Example: '王伯伯，早安！' (Good morning, Uncle Wang!)
- 伯伯 specifically means your father's elder brother.
- Use it to address older men (father's age or older) as a sign of respect.
- The second 'bo' is usually a neutral tone (bóbo).
- Distinguish it from 叔叔 (younger uncle) and 舅舅 (maternal uncle).
When in doubt, use a surname
Calling a neighbor '王伯伯' (Uncle Wang) is much more polite than just '伯伯'. It shows you recognize them as an individual.
The Neutral Tone is Key
To sound like a native, make the second syllable of 伯伯 very short. Avoid saying 'bó-bó' with two rising tones.
Festival Etiquette
During Chinese New Year, always greet your 伯伯 first before the younger uncles (叔叔) to show you respect the age hierarchy.
Use Visual Aids
Draw a family tree and label the paternal side with 伯伯 and 叔叔 to help fix the distinction in your mind.
Ejemplo
我的伯伯住在北京。
Contenido relacionado
Esta palabra en otros idiomas
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百日宴
A2El '百日宴' es un banquete tradicional chino que se celebra cuando un bebé cumple 100 días de nacido.
一对
A2Un par de objetos que combinan o una pareja de personas.
迁就
B2To accommodate; to yield to.
称呼
A2Forma de tratamiento; apelativo. Es fundamental elegir el término correcto para mostrar respeto.
住址
A2Address.
认错
A2To admit a mistake.
领养
A2Adoptar a un niño o una mascota.
收养
B1Adoptar legalmente a un niño.
养女
A2Hija adoptiva. Una niña que es criada por padres que no son sus progenitores biológicos.
养子
A2Un hijo adoptivo. Un niño criado por padres que no son sus padres biológicos.
