zhǎngbèi: 长辈 - Elder, Senior (by generation)

• Keywords: zhǎngbèi, 长辈, zhangbei meaning, Chinese for elder, respect for elders in China, older generation in Chinese, filial piety, Chinese family structure, zhangbei vs laoren, Chinese cultural values.
• Summary: Discover the deep cultural meaning of 长辈 (zhǎngbèi), a fundamental Chinese term for “elder” or “senior.” This page explores how zhǎngbèi goes beyond simple age to define a person's position in the family and social hierarchy. Learn why understanding zhǎngbèi is key to grasping core Chinese values like filial piety (孝顺) and respect, and see how it differs from the general term for an old person, 老人 (lǎorén).

• Pinyin (with tone marks): zhǎngbèi
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 4
• Concise Definition: A person of an older generation; an elder or senior within a family or social hierarchy.
• In a Nutshell: 长辈 (zhǎngbèi) isn't just about being old; it's about your rank in the generational ladder. It refers to anyone in a generation above you, like your parents, grandparents, uncles, and aunts. This term carries a heavy weight of respect and social obligation, forming a cornerstone of Chinese social structure and family life.

• 长 (zhǎng): This character has two main pronunciations. As cháng, it means “long.” But as zhǎng, it means “to grow,” “to develop,” or “chief/elder.” In this context, it signifies seniority and growth.
• 辈 (bèi): This character means “generation” or “people of a certain kind.” It’s composed of 非 (fēi) over 车 (chē - cart), which historically depicted rows of chariots, implying a rank or generation.
• The two characters combine to literally mean “the grown generation” or “the elder generation,” emphasizing a person's senior position in the generational hierarchy.

长辈 (zhǎngbèi) is a concept deeply rooted in Confucianism and the principle of filial piety (孝, xiào). It establishes a clear social order where the younger generation owes respect, deference, and care to the older generation. A crucial difference from the Western concept of an “elder” is that 长辈 is determined by generational rank (辈分, bèifèn), not necessarily by chronological age. For example, a man's younger brother has a son. That son (the nephew) is a generation below his uncle. Even if the nephew grows to be 40 years old and his uncle is only 35, the uncle will forever be his 长辈. The nephew must always show the uncle the respect due to a 长辈. This contrasts sharply with Western culture, where a 40-year-old would generally not be expected to show hierarchical deference to a 35-year-old relative simply because he is an “uncle.” In China, this relationship is a fundamental part of family identity and social harmony. Respecting your 长辈 is not just a nice thing to do; it's a core social and moral duty.

The term 长辈 (zhǎngbèi) is used frequently in daily life, especially in contexts involving family and showing respect.

• Family Gatherings: During holidays like Chinese New Year, children and young adults are expected to formally greet (拜年, bàinián) their 长辈 and wish them well. The 长辈, in turn, often give red envelopes (红包, hóngbāo) to the younger generation (晚辈, wǎnbèi).
• General Politeness: When referring to a collective group of older, respected individuals in a formal speech or meeting, you might say “各位长辈” (gèwèi zhǎngbèi), meaning “all the seniors/elders present.”
• Seeking Advice: It is common for a younger person to say they need to “请教一位长辈” (qǐngjiào yī wèi zhǎngbèi), or “ask an elder for guidance.” This shows humility and respect for the wisdom that comes with experience and seniority.

The connotation of 长辈 is almost always positive and respectful. It is a formal and polite term.

• Example 1:
  • 我们应该尊敬长辈。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen yīnggāi zūnjìng zhǎngbèi.
  • English: We should respect our elders.
  • Analysis: This is a classic, straightforward sentence expressing a core cultural value. 尊敬 (zūnjìng) is a strong word for “respect.”
• Example 2:
  • 过年的时候，我们要去给长辈拜年。
  • Pinyin: Guònián de shíhou, wǒmen yào qù gěi zhǎngbèi bàinián.
  • English: During Chinese New Year, we have to go pay respects to the elders.
  • Analysis: This sentence describes a key cultural tradition, 拜年 (bàinián), which is a formal greeting specifically for elders during the New Year.
• Example 3:
  • 这是长辈给你的红包，快收下吧。
  • Pinyin: Zhè shì zhǎngbèi gěi nǐ de hóngbāo, kuài shōu xià ba.
  • English: This is a red envelope from an elder for you, hurry and accept it.
  • Analysis: This highlights the reciprocal nature of the relationship. The younger generation gives respect, and the 长辈 gives blessings (and money) in the form of a 红包 (hóngbāo).
• Example 4:
  • 在长辈面前，说话要有礼貌。
  • Pinyin: Zài zhǎngbèi miànqián, shuōhuà yào yǒu lǐmào.
  • English: You must be polite when speaking in front of elders.
  • Analysis: This illustrates the behavioral expectations associated with the term. 面前 (miànqián) means “in front of” or “in the presence of.”
• Example 5:
  • 他虽然只比我大三岁，但是按辈分，他是我的长辈。
  • Pinyin: Tā suīrán zhǐ bǐ wǒ dà sān suì, dànshì àn bèifèn, tā shì wǒ de zhǎngbèi.
  • English: Although he is only three years older than me, according to generational ranking, he is my elder.
  • Analysis: This is a perfect example showing that 长辈 is about generational rank (辈分, bèifèn), not just age.
• Example 6:
  • 我遇到了一个难题，想找一位长辈请教一下。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ yùdàole yīgè nántí, xiǎng zhǎo yī wèi zhǎngbèi qǐngjiào yīxià.
  • English: I've encountered a difficult problem and want to find an elder to ask for advice.
  • Analysis: This shows 长辈 as a source of wisdom and guidance. 请教 (qǐngjiào) is a very humble way to say “to ask for guidance.”
• Example 7:
  • 长辈说的话，你还是要听一听的。
  • Pinyin: Zhǎngbèi shuō dehuà, nǐ háishì yào tīng yī tīng de.
  • English: You should still listen to what the elders say.
  • Analysis: This sentence carries a gentle but firm persuasive tone, common in family conversations. It implies that elders' advice is valuable and should be considered.
• Example 8:
  • 在我们家，重要的决定需要得到长辈们的同意。
  • Pinyin: Zài wǒmen jiā, zhòngyào de juédìng xūyào dédào zhǎngbèimen de tóngyì.
  • English: In our family, important decisions need to get the approval of the elders.
  • Analysis: This highlights the authority and role of 长辈 in traditional family governance. The plural marker 们 (men) is used to refer to all the elders collectively.
• Example 9:
  • 长辈的经验是年轻人宝贵的财富。
  • Pinyin: Zhǎngbèi de jīngyàn shì niánqīng rén bǎoguì de cáifù.
  • English: The experience of our elders is a precious treasure for young people.
  • Analysis: A more philosophical sentence often seen in writing or formal speech, extolling the value of the older generation.
• Example 10:
  • 长辈们常常怀念过去的日子。
  • Pinyin: Zhǎngbèimen chángcháng huáiniàn guòqù de rìzi.
  • English: The elders often reminisce about the old days.
  • Analysis: This uses 长辈 as a general term for the older generation in society, describing a common behavior.

• 长辈 (zhǎngbèi) vs. 老人 (lǎorén): This is the most critical distinction for learners.
  • 长辈 (zhǎngbèi): Refers to generational seniority. An uncle younger than you is your 长辈. This term implies a relationship and a duty of respect.
  • 老人 (lǎorén): Refers to chronological age. It simply means “old person” or “the elderly.” An elderly stranger on the street is a 老人, but not your 长辈.
  • Mistake: Calling a random old person on the street your “长辈” would be strange. It implies a personal or familial connection that doesn't exist. It's more appropriate to use a polite general title like 爷爷 (yéye - grandpa) or 奶奶 (nǎinai - grandma) if they are very old, or 叔叔 (shūshu - uncle) / 阿姨 (āyí - auntie) if they are middle-aged.
• 长辈 (zhǎngbèi) vs. 前辈 (qiánbèi):
  • 长辈 (zhǎngbèi): Primarily used for family and social hierarchies based on generation.
  • 前辈 (qiánbèi): Used in professional, academic, or artistic contexts to mean “senior” or “predecessor” (e.g., a senior colleague at work, a graduate from a few years ahead of you). While both command respect, 前辈 is about seniority in a specific field or organization, not the family tree.

• 晚辈 (wǎnbèi) - The direct antonym: a person of a younger generation; a junior.
• 老人 (lǎorén) - An old person; the elderly. Related by the concept of age, but distinct from generational rank.
• 孝顺 (xiàoshùn) - Filial piety; the virtue and act of being respectful and caring towards one's parents and elders. This is the behavior expected towards a 长辈.
• 前辈 (qiánbèi) - A senior or predecessor in a professional or academic setting.
• 辈分 (bèifèn) - The system of generational ranking within a family or clan that determines who is a 长辈.
• 尊敬 (zūnjìng) - To respect; to revere. The attitude one must have towards a 长辈.
• 叔叔 (shūshu) - Uncle. A specific type of male 长辈.
• 阿姨 (āyí) - Aunt. A specific type of female 长辈.