Meaning and Usage
"伯父" (bófù) specifically refers to the father's elder brother in Chinese family terms. It is a respectful way to address or refer to this relative. Unlike the more general term "叔叔" (shūshu) for younger paternal uncles, "伯父" implies seniority and respect.
Common Contexts
This term is often used in formal or polite speech when talking about or to one's father's older brother. It can also be used in introductions or family discussions to clarify relationships.
Collocations and Patterns
- 伯父 + 职业 (e.g., 伯父是医生): to specify the uncle's profession.
- 称呼 + 伯父: to describe how one addresses the uncle.
- 家里 + 伯父 + 帮忙: indicating the uncle helps with family matters.
Usage Notes
When using "伯父," the speaker emphasizes respect and the elder status of the uncle. It is less common in casual speech where "叔叔" might be used more broadly. Avoid confusing "伯父" with "叔叔," which refers to younger paternal uncles. The character "伯" means "older brother," reinforcing the elder position of this uncle.