HSK 3

叔叔

shū shu

father's younger brother

HSK 3 — —

漢字分解

叔

shū · uncle

部首: 又 · 8画

Stroke order animation for 叔

Meaning and Usage

"叔叔" primarily means "father's younger brother" in Chinese family terms. However, it is also commonly used as a polite and friendly way for children or younger people to address an adult man who is not a close relative, similar to "uncle" in English.

Common Contexts

You will often hear "叔叔" used in family settings to refer specifically to the father's younger brother. Outside family, children use it to address adult men respectfully, especially neighbors or family friends.

Collocations and Patterns

  • "我叔叔" (my uncle): referring to a specific family member.
  • "叫叔叔" (call someone uncle): used by children to address adult men politely.
  • "爸爸的叔叔" (father's uncle): to specify a generation older than the father.

Nuances

When used outside family, "叔叔" conveys respect and warmth but is informal. It is less formal than "先生" (Mr.) but more polite than just using a man's name. Avoid using "叔叔" to address strangers in formal situations.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse "叔叔" with "伯伯" (bóbo), which means father's elder brother. The distinction is important in family relationships and respectful address.

例文

我叔叔是医生，他在医院工作。

Wǒ shūshu shì yīshēng, tā zài yīyuàn gōngzuò.

My uncle is a doctor; he works at the hospital.

小朋友们都叫邻居家的叔叔‘叔叔’。

Xiǎopéngyou men dōu jiào línjū jiā de shūshu ‘shūshu’.

The children all call the neighbor’s man ‘uncle’.

他是我爸爸的叔叔，比爸爸大很多岁。

Tā shì wǒ bàba de shūshu, bǐ bàba dà hěn duō suì.

He is my father's uncle, much older than my dad.

叔叔，您喜欢喝茶还是咖啡？

Shūshu, nín xǐhuān hē chá háishì kāfēi?

Uncle, do you prefer tea or coffee?

我小时候常常跟叔叔一起去公园玩。

Wǒ xiǎoshíhòu chángcháng gēn shūshu yīqǐ qù gōngyuán wán.

When I was little, I often went to the park with my uncle.