姐姐

• Pinyin: jiě jie
• Hanzi breakdown: 姐 = 女 (woman) + 且 (phonetic component) — an older female relative

Meaning

Older sister. The standard and affectionate term for one's elder sister.

Used to address one's own older sister or a slightly older female friend or acquaintance. In casual speech, 姐 alone is also common. Can be used as a polite way to address a young woman slightly older than you.

Examples

1. 我姐姐在北京工作。 My older sister works in Beijing.
2. 姐姐比我大三岁。 My older sister is three years older than me.
3. 姐姐喜欢唱歌。 My older sister likes singing.

Usage Guide

Context: family, everyday

Tone: affectionate

Do Say

• 我姐姐是医生。(My older sister is a doctor.)
• 姐姐，你吃了吗？(Sis, have you eaten?)

Don't Say

• 我的姐姐比我小。(Contradictory — 姐姐 means older sister; use 妹妹 for younger sister)

Origin & History

A reduplication of 姐. The character 姐 combines 女 (woman) with 且 (phonetic component), originally meaning elder female sibling.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal