‘父辈’ literally combines ‘父’ (fù), meaning ‘father,’ and ‘辈’ (bèi), meaning ‘generation’ or ‘age group.’ Together, it refers broadly to the generation of one’s parents — including both fathers and mothers, as well as their siblings (e.g., uncles, aunts) — especially when viewed collectively as elders who shaped family values, traditions, or socioeconomic conditions. It is not limited to biological fathers but denotes the parental generation as a social and historical cohort.

This term is commonly used in discussions about intergenerational differences, family history, social change, or cultural transmission. It often appears in formal writing, interviews, and academic contexts — for example, when comparing educational opportunities or work ethics across generations. Unlike ‘父母’ (fùmǔ, ‘parents’), which refers specifically to one’s own mother and father, ‘父辈’ carries a more collective, generational connotation and may include extended family members of that age group.