(zhǎng) — (adjective) elder, senior in age; (adjective) eldest (in a family ranking)

Definition

长 (zhǎng) as an adjective means 'elder' / 'older' in family terms (e.g. 长兄, 长子), showing rank not just age. Unlike 大 (also 'older' before family titles), 长 stresses the senior position in the family.

adjective
eldersenior in ageeldest (in a family ranking)

Examples

  • Tā shì zhǎng zǐ.
    He is the eldest son.
  • Tā shì wǒ de zhǎng xiōng.
    He is my elder brother.
  • Wǒ yǒu yí wèi nián zhǎng de péng you.
    I have an older friend.

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