Understanding "姐妹" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 姐妹
• Pinyin: jiěmèi
• Literal Meaning: "Older sister (姐) + younger sister (妹)"
• Primary Meaning: "Sisters" (refers to female siblings or close female friends)

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage:
• Siblings: Used to refer to biological sisters (e.g., "她们是姐妹" – "They are sisters").
• Close Friends: Often used metaphorically for very close female friends, similar to "sisters" in English (e.g., "我们像姐妹一样" – "We are like sisters").

• Gender Note: While it specifically refers to females, the term can sometimes include close female relatives (e.g., cousins) depending on context.

• Character Breakdown:

• 姐 (jiě): Means "older sister."
• 妹 (mèi): Means "younger sister."
  Together, they form "姐妹," covering the full range of sisterhood.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 她们是亲姐妹。
   Pinyin: Tāmen shì qīn jiěmèi.
   English: They are biological sisters.

2. Chinese: 我和她是好姐妹，从小一起长大。
   Pinyin: Wǒ hé tā shì hǎo jiěmèi, cóngxiǎo yīqǐ zhǎngdà.
   English: She and I are close sisters (friends); we grew up together.

3. Chinese: 这对姐妹开了一家咖啡馆。
   Pinyin: Zhè duì jiěmèi kāi le yī jiā kāfēi guǎn.
   English: This pair of sisters opened a café.

Cultural Notes

• In Chinese culture, "姐妹" can signify deep bonds beyond blood relations. Female friendships are often described with familial terms to emphasize closeness.
• The term is also used in pop culture, such as in songs or TV shows, to highlight strong female relationships.

Conclusion

"姐妹" (jiěmèi) is a versatile word meaning "sisters," whether referring to family or close friends. Remember:
- 姐 (jiě) = older sister
- 妹 (mèi) = younger sister
Use it to describe both biological sisters and cherished female friendships!