respectful term for a friend; dear sir
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesnoun
respectful form of address for a friend (used especially in letters)
formalUsed in formal or literary contexts, particularly in letters to address male friends respectfully. The term '仁' implies the addressee is benevolent and virtuous.
Rén仁
xiōng兄
jìn近
lái来
kě可
hǎo好
？
How have you been lately, my dear friend?
Jiǔ久
wèi未
tōng通
xìn信
，
bù不
zhī知
rén仁
xiōng兄
shēn身
tǐ体
ān安
kāng康
fǒu否
？
It has been long since we corresponded; I wonder if you are in good health, my friend?
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Xiǎo小
dì弟
yú愚
dùn钝
，
hái还
wàng望
rén仁
xiōng兄
bù不
lìn吝
cì赐
jiào教
。
I am rather dull-witted and hope that you, my virtuous friend, will not hesitate to instruct me.