How to Say “Uncle on my fathers side” in Chinese
Relationships and family · HSK 4
"Uncle on my fathers side" in Chinese is 伯伯 (Bóbo). Father's side uncles split by age: 伯伯 / 伯父 (bóbo / bófù) is your dad's older brother, while 叔叔 (shūshu) is his younger brother. Mother's brother is a totally different word; 舅舅 (jiùjiu).
Primary translation
伯伯
Bóbo
Variants by register
Formal
伯父
Bófù
Casual
大伯
Dàbó
When to use it
Father's side uncles split by age: 伯伯 / 伯父 (bóbo / bófù) is your dad's older brother, while 叔叔 (shūshu) is his younger brother. Mother's brother is a totally different word; 舅舅 (jiùjiu). The age distinction matters because in traditional Chinese culture, 伯 outranks 叔 in family hierarchy and may be addressed first at gatherings. Like 阿姨, 叔叔 is also used to politely address any unrelated middle-aged man (a taxi driver, a security guard). Kids in Mainland China are taught to greet every adult this way.
Example sentences
我伯伯是医生。
Wǒ bóbo shì yīshēng.
My (paternal) uncle is a doctor.
叔叔，请问地铁站怎么走？
Shūshu, qǐngwèn dìtiězhàn zěnme zǒu?
Sir (uncle), excuse me, how do I get to the subway?
过年的时候伯父会给我压岁钱。
Guònián de shíhou bófù huì gěi wǒ yāsuìqián.
During Chinese New Year my uncle gives me lucky money.