Definition
大嫂 literally means 'eldest brother's wife', but it's also a common polite way to address a married woman who is roughly your age or older — like saying 'big sister' in a respectful, friendly tone. You'll hear it used for neighbors, shopkeepers, or acquaintances in casual settings. The two senses are distinct: one is a kinship term, the other is a social address term.
n.
wife of one's eldest brother(polite address) older married woman (used for acquaintances or strangers)
Examples
- 大嫂，。Wǒ dà sǎo duì wǒ tèbié hǎo, jīngcháng gěi wǒ zuò hǎo chī de.My eldest brother's wife is especially good to me; she often cooks delicious food for me.
- 大嫂，？dà sǎo, qǐng wèn zhè tiáo lù zěnme zǒu?Excuse me, ma'am, how do I get to this road?
- 大嫂。Càishìchǎng nà wèi dà sǎo mài de shuǐguǒ hěn xīnxiān.The fruit sold by that lady at the market is very fresh.
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