伯父

• Pinyin: bó fù
• Hanzi breakdown: 伯 = eldest among brothers; 父 = pictograph of a hand holding a tool, representing father

Meaning

Uncle; father's elder brother (formal term). More formal than 伯伯.

The formal kinship term for one's father's elder brother. Also used as a polite address when speaking to the father of one's spouse or close friend. More formal than 伯伯, often used in writing or formal introductions.

Examples

1. 我伯父在政府部门工作了一辈子，去年刚退休。 My uncle worked in a government department his whole life and just retired last year.
2. 按辈分，我应该叫他伯父，虽然他只比我大几岁。 By generational seniority, I should call him Uncle, even though he's only a few years older than me.
3. 伯父伯母请入席，宴会马上开始。 Uncle and Aunt, please be seated — the banquet is about to begin.

Usage Guide

Context: family, formal address, writing

Tone: respectful

Do Say

• 请代我向伯父伯母问好。(Please give my regards to your uncle and aunt.)
• 伯父的教诲我铭记于心。(I keep Uncle's teachings close to my heart.)

Don't Say

• 伯父，借我点钱呗。(Using 伯父 with casual language is mismatched — either use 伯伯 or speak formally)

Origin & History

伯 (eldest brother) + 父 (father). A compound indicating father's elder brother.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal