Definition
大叔 literally means 'father's younger brother', but in daily speech it's widely used as a respectful address for any middle-aged or older man, especially when you don't know his name. You'll hear it in markets, on the street, or when asking for directions — it's like saying 'uncle' or 'sir' to an older stranger. Use it with the same level of politeness as 阿姨 for older women.
n.
uncle (father's younger brother)(respectful term of address for an older man) unclemister
Examples
- 大叔，。Wǒ de dà shū zhù zài Běijīng, shì bàba de dìdi.My uncle lives in Beijing; he's my father's younger brother.
- 大叔，？dà shū, qǐngwèn qù dìtiě zhàn zěnme zǒu?Uncle, could you tell me how to get to the subway station?
- 大叔。Nà wèi dà shū měitiān zǎoshang zài gōngyuán dǎ tàijíquán.That older gentleman does tai chi in the park every morning.
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