宝贝
bǎobèi
The English phrase 'bae' translates to the Chinese term 宝贝 (bǎobèi).
宝贝 is an informal term of endearment used to refer to a romantic partner or someone loved, directly translating to 'baby' or 'darling'.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 宝贝 is composed of 宝 (treasure) and 贝 (shell/treasure), literally meaning 'precious treasure'.
Which one should you use?
Unlike the English 'bae' which is strictly slang for a partner, 宝贝 can be used more broadly for any precious object or person.
How do you pronounce it?
bǎobèi
Did you know?
- The character 贝 originally depicted a cowrie shell, which served as the primary currency in ancient China. This is why the word for 'treasure' is linked to shells.
- While 宝贝 is a general term, some couples use 亲 (qīn) in online shopping and texting, which functions as a digital 'bae' or 'dear' between strangers and customers.
- In certain social media contexts, calling someone 宝贝 can sometimes be used sarcastically to mock someone who is acting overly precious or spoiled.
Examples in context
- 你是我的宝贝。Nǐ shì wǒ de bǎobèi.You are my baby.
- 宝贝，你今天很漂亮。Bǎobèi, nǐ jīntiān hěn piàoliang.Bae, you are beautiful today.
- 我想给我的宝贝买礼物。Wǒ xiǎng gěi wǒ de bǎobèi mǎi lǐwù.I want to buy a gift for my bae.
Example conversation
A young couple is walking in a park.
- 浩然 Haoran宝贝，你想吃什么？Bǎobèi, nǐ xiǎng chī shénme?Bae, what do you want to eat?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen我都可以，听你的。Wǒ dōu kěyǐ, tīng nǐ de.Anything is fine, I'll follow your lead.
- 浩然 Haoran那我们去吃火锅吧。Nà wǒmen qù chī huǒguō ba.Then let's go eat hotpot.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen好啊，浩然真贴心。Hǎo a, Hàorán zhēn tiēxīn.Okay, Haoran is so thoughtful.
