芎
elder brother; respectful term for male peer
Meanings
3 senses · 7 examplesnoun
elder brother
Used to refer to one's older brother, either by blood or by close relationship. Often used in formal or respectful contexts.
He is my elder brother by blood.
My elder brother has not been in good health recently.
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The brothers have a very good relationship.
noun
respectful term for male of the same generation
formalUsed as a polite form of address for male peers, often in academic, fraternal, or social contexts. Common in compounds like 学兄 (senior male schoolmate).
Senior schoolmate, how do you solve this problem?
How have you been lately, my dear sir?
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My humble surname is Zhang; may I ask your honorable surname, sir?
adverb
almost; probably (archaic usage)
archaicArchaic usage found in classical Chinese texts, often interchangeable with 况. Rarely used in modern Chinese except in specific literary or historical contexts.
Since the plan will soon succeed, why worry about not achieving the goal? (From the Book of the Later Han)