伯伯

• Pinyin: bó bo
• Hanzi breakdown: 伯 = 亻(person) + 白 (white/pure), the eldest among brothers

Meaning

Uncle; father's elder brother. Also used as a respectful address for older men.

In the strict kinship sense, refers to one's father's older brother. More broadly, a polite way for children to address older male friends of their parents. Regional usage varies — more common in northern China.

Examples

1. 过年的时候我们全家都去伯伯家拜年。 During Chinese New Year, our whole family goes to Uncle's house to pay New Year's visits.
2. 王伯伯是爸爸的大学同学，他们认识快三十年了。 Uncle Wang is Dad's college classmate — they've known each other for almost thirty years.
3. 伯伯退休以后每天在公园练太极拳。 After retirement, Uncle practices tai chi in the park every day.

Usage Guide

Context: family, social, respectful address

Tone: affectionate

Do Say

• 伯伯，新年好！(Happy New Year, Uncle!)
• 这是我伯伯送我的生日礼物。(This is a birthday present my uncle gave me.)

Don't Say

• 对比自己年纪小的人叫伯伯。(Don't call someone younger than you 伯伯 — it's for older men)

Origin & History

伯 = eldest brother among males. Reduplication forms the kinship term, a common pattern in Chinese family terms.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal