老兄

lǎoxīōng

noun #709

Meanings

1 buddy
2 pal
3 bro
4 old chap

Characters

old; familiar (prefix)

Examples

老兄，帮个忙吧。

Lǎoxīōng, bāng gè máng ba.

Hey buddy, do me a favor.

老兄，好久不见！

Lǎoxīōng, hǎojiǔ bújiàn!

Bro, long time no see!

Tips

register

老兄 is an informal, friendly way to address a male peer or acquaintance. It's warmer than just calling someone by name, similar to 'buddy' or 'mate' in English.

memory

老 (old/familiar) + 兄 (elder brother) = an affectionate 'old brother' = buddy.

Stroke Order

老 lǎo

兄 xiōng