Definitions
(noun)
elder brother
Etymology
Pictograph of a mouth on top of a person, representing an older brother giving orders.
About
The character "兄" originally denoted an elder brother, with its form consisting of "口" (mouth) above "儿", a variant of "人" (person), structurally implying one who speaks or commands. This etymology aligns with the elder brother's traditional role as an authoritative figure within the family hierarchy. While its core meaning has consistently referred to an older male sibling, over time it also came to be employed as a respectful form of address for male friends or colleagues in certain cultural contexts.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他是我的兄长。
我兄弟在家学习。
兄长帮我做作业。
我和兄弟经常打球。
兄长的建议很有用。
他像兄长一样照顾我。
虽然他不是我的亲兄，但对我很好。
在困难的时候，兄长总是支持我。