大爷 dàye father's older brother
(colloquial) father's older brother; uncle; term of respect for older man
How to remember 大爷: 大 big + 爷 grandfather = father's older brother.
Characters
How it is used
- As dàye, a respectful address for an older man, "granddad / mister": 大爷,请问 (dàye, qǐngwèn) excuse me, sir.
- Watch the reading: dàyé (2nd tone) means father's elder brother; the address/slang sense is neutral-tone dàye.
- Also slang for a pampered big-shot - 耍大爷脾气 (shuǎ dàye píqi) throw one's weight around.