When learning a new language, it’s essential to grasp basic vocabulary words such as “adult”. Whether you’re planning a trip to China or simply expanding your language skills, knowing how to say “adult” in Chinese will come in handy. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to express this term, along with various tips and examples. Let’s get started!
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Formal Ways to Say “Adult” in Chinese
If you want to address someone as an adult in a formal and respectful manner, the following terms are commonly used:
- 成人 (chéng rén): This is the most neutral and widely used term for “adult” in Chinese. It can be used in any context and is well-understood throughout the country. For example, you can say “他是一个成人” (tā shì yī gè chéng rén), which means “He is an adult.”
- 成年人 (chéng nián rén): This term also means “adult” and is more specific to referring to someone who has reached the legal age of adulthood. It can be used interchangeably with “成人”. For instance, you can say “她是个成年人了” (tā shì gè chéng nián rén le), which means “She has become an adult.”
- 壮年 (zhuàng nián): Although it can be translated as “adult” in English, this term focuses more on describing someone in the prime of their life, typically between the ages of 30 to 50. It is often used in formal writing or literary contexts. For example, you might read “他是壮年，充满了活力” (tā shì zhuàng nián, chōng mǎn le huó lì), which means “He is in his prime and full of vitality.”
Informal Ways to Say “Adult” in Chinese
In informal conversations or when speaking with friends, you can use the following terms to refer to an adult:
- 大人 (dà rén): This term is commonly used when addressing someone politely as an adult. It can be used in various situations, but it is particularly common when speaking to or about someone who is older or in a higher position. For instance, if you want to say “Excuse me, adults” in Chinese, you would say “对不起，大人们” (duì bù qǐ, dà rén men).
- 大哥/大姐 (dà gē / dà jiě): These terms literally mean “big brother” and “big sister”, respectively. However, they are often used to address someone older than oneself, regardless of their sibling relationship. This informal way of address conveys a sense of familiarity and respect. For example, you can say “大哥，我需要你的帮助” (dà gē, wǒ xū yào nǐ de bāng zhù), which means “Big brother, I need your help.”
- 老大 (lǎo dà): This term is usually used to refer to someone who is the head or leader of a group. However, it can also be informally used to address an adult in a casual setting. For instance, you might hear someone say “老大，您有空吗？” (lǎo dà, nín yǒu kòng ma?), which means “Excuse me, sir, do you have a moment?”
Regional Variations
Chinese is spoken across various regions, and some dialects have their own variations on how to say “adult”. While the terms mentioned above are generally understood throughout the country, it’s worth noting a few regional variations:
Note: These regional variations may not be widely understood outside of their respective regions, so it’s advisable to stick to the more universal terms mentioned earlier.
In some parts of southern China, such as Guangdong province, you may hear the term “大人” (dai yan) used informally. Similarly, in northern China, the informal term “哥们” (gē men) is occasionally used to refer to an adult, but it’s more commonly used to address a male friend.
Examples and Usage
Here are a few examples of how to use the terms we’ve discussed:
- Formal: 他已经是一个成人了。(Tā yǐ jīng shì yī gè chéng rén le.) – He is already an adult.
- Informal: 老大，你觉得怎么办才好？(Lǎo dà, nǐ jué de zěn me bàn cái hǎo?) – Sir, what do you think is the best course of action?
Remember, the appropriate term to use will depend on the context and relationship between the speakers. It’s always a good idea to observe how native speakers address each other and adapt accordingly.
Now that you have a better understanding of how to say “adult” in Chinese, practice using these terms in various scenarios. Enhancing your vocabulary will undoubtedly facilitate your language learning journey. Good luck!
