kai3 ze2契姐

Jyutpingkai3 ze2

Yalekai jé

Definition

Sworn older sister; an older girl or woman treated as an older sister but who is not related by blood.

colloquialfamilypeople

How it's used

Sworn relationships are deeply rooted in traditional social structures where close friends formalize their bond as family. While the term implies a close, supportive connection, it is less common among younger generations today compared to simply calling someone a close friend. It carries a sense of loyalty and mutual obligation that goes beyond casual friendship.

Measure word

go3個go

Examples

keoi5佢hai6係ngo5我kai3契ze1姐，ngo5我dei6哋gam2感cing4情hou2好ci5似can1親zi2姊mui2妹gam3咁。

She is my sworn older sister, we are as close as real sisters.

nei5你gei2幾si4時jing6認zo2咗go3個kai3契ze1姐faan1返lai4嚟aa4呀？

When did you get yourself a sworn older sister?

Common phrases

jing6認kai3契ze1姐

to recognize someone as a sworn older sister

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with a cousin or a distant relative, as it specifically denotes a non-biological relationship formed by choice. Using it for someone you just met can sound overly intimate or strange.