老哥 (lǎo gē) — (informal, address) bro, dude, pal (used among males)

Definition

Very casual term of address between male friends — like 'bro' or 'man'. It is more familiar and jokey than the standard 哥哥, and is not used for actual older brothers or in formal situations.

noun
(informal, address) brodudepal (used among males)
Measure word ·

Examples

  • 老哥
    lǎo gē, Hǎo jiǔ bú jiàn, zuì jìn máng shén me ne?
    Hey bro, long time no see, what have you been up to?
  • 老哥
    Zhè shì r nǐ wèn lǎo gē, tā kěn dìng zhī dào.
    Ask this guy about it — he definitely knows.
  • 老哥
    lǎo gē, Wǎn shàng yì qǐ hē yì bēi zěn me yàng?
    Hey man, how about grabbing a drink together tonight?

Origin

Derived word
构词法gòucífǎ
前缀qiánzhuìPrefix

A fixed syllable in front that adds a shade of meaning but carries none of its own.

lǎofamiliar
brother

老 gives a familiar, friendly tone to 哥, making an informal male address.

Characters in this word

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

The shape 老 combines 人 (man), 毛 (hair), and 匕 (cane), showing a man with long hair leaning on a cane.

Open 老 →

No reliable origin is recorded for this character.

Open 哥 →

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