English–Chinese

“uncle” in Chinese

Chinese

Also叔叔 (shū shū) · 姑父 (gū fù) · 姨夫 (yí fū)

Pronunciation

Pinyinbó bo

Example

我的伯伯很和气。wǒ de bó bo hěn hé qì

My uncle is very kind.

Illustration for 伯伯 (uncle)

How to say “uncle” in Chinese

“Uncle” in Chinese is 伯伯 (bó bo).

Respectful family-style recognition of an older paternal relative, extended to familiar older men outside the family.

Full entry for 伯伯: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with 伯伯

小孩子们喜欢跟伯伯一起玩。xiǎo hái zi men xǐ huān gēn bó bo yì qǐ wán

The children like playing with their uncle.

Tips for using 伯伯

  • English speakers may expect uncle to require a family relationship, but Chinese family terms can mark social closeness as well as actual kinship.

Other Chinese words for “uncle”

这是我的叔叔。zhè shì wǒ de shū shū

This is my uncle.

今天姑父来我们家了。jīn tiān gū fù lái wǒ men jiā le

My uncle came to our house today.

姨夫住在我们附近。yí fū zhù zài wǒ men fù jìn

My uncle lives near us.

“uncle” in other languages