Definition
老大爷 is a polite, respectful way to address or refer to an elderly man in Chinese. It's not necessarily a relative — you can use it for strangers, neighbors, or service workers (like a gatekeeper or vendor) to show courtesy. The tone is friendly and warm, similar to calling someone 'sir' but with the added connotation of age and respect. Don't use it for younger men; it's specifically for men who appear to be in their 60s or older.
n.
respectful term of address for an elderly man (not necessarily a relative)grandpa (polite)
Examples
- 老大爷，，。lǎo dà yé, nín màn zǒu, lù shang xiǎoxīn.Take care, sir (old man), walk slowly and be careful on the road.
- 老大爷。Xiǎoqū ménkǒu nà wèi lǎo dà yé měi tiān dōu zài zhèr xià qí.That old gentleman at the neighborhood gate plays chess here every day.
- 老大爷，。Wǒ wèn le nà wèi lǎo dà yé, tā shuō dìtiě zhàn wǎng dōng zǒu.I asked that old gentleman, and he said the subway station is to the east.
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