Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 小子 | xiǎozi |
| 臭小孩兒 / 小孩儿 | xiǎoháir |
| 臭小孩儿 | xiǎoháir |
| 小淘氣 / 小淘气 | xiǎotáoqì |
| 小屁孩 | xiǎopìhái |
These terms are used to describe a selfish, spoiled or unruly child.
What does it mean word for word?
In the terms 臭小孩儿 and 臭小孩儿, the character 臭 means 'stinky'. It is often used as a prefix in derogatory terms for children to imply that they are 'bad' or 'naughty'.
Which one should you use?
While 小子 and 小屁孩 are often used insultingly, 小淘气 (or 小淘氣) is a milder, more affectionate way to describe a child who is being a bit naughty or playful.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
If you wish to be formal, the term 顽童 brings about the notion of a naughty or misbehaving child. Conversely, 小屁孩 is highly informal and often derogatory, similar to calling someone a 'little punk' in English. For an informal way to describe a 'naughty little rascal' or 'troublesome kid', you can use 顽劣小屁孩.
How does it change in a sentence?
The term 小子 can be used to refer to a young man or boy. However, when used toward someone, it can carry a condescending or aggressive tone depending on the context.
How do you pronounce it?
xiǎozi
Did you know?
- While 小屁孩 literally translates to 'little butt kid', it is not used to comment on a child's anatomy. It is a purely idiomatic way to dismiss someone as immature or insignificant.
- The formal term 顽童 is frequently found in classical Chinese literature and poetry to romanticize the innocence and chaotic energy of childhood.
- In modern internet slang, people use 小屁孩 to describe adults who act childishly or lack life experience, regardless of their actual age.
Examples in context
- 你个小屁孩。You're such a brat.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of 小屁孩 to call someone a brat.Tatoeba #10752770 by GlossaMatik, translation #2713694 by CK
- 那个小孩子真是个调皮鬼！(Nàge xiǎoháizi zhēnshi ge tiáopí guǐ!)That child is such a little rascal!
- 他真是个不听话的小子。Tā zhēn shì gè bù tīnghuà de xiǎozi.He really is an unruly brat.
- 别理那个没礼貌的小子。Bié lǐ nàge méi lǐmào de xiǎozi.Don't mind that impolite brat.
Example conversation
A woman is scolding a boy who refused to share his toys.
- 梓涵 Zihan你这个没礼貌的小子！Nǐ zhège méi lǐmào de xiǎozi!You impolite little brat!
- 俊杰 Junjie我才不是，这是我的玩具。Wǒ cái bùshì, zhè shì wǒ de wánjù.I'm not, these are my toys.
- 梓涵 Zihan你要学会分享才行。Nǐ yào xuéhuì fēnxiǎng cái xíng.You need to learn how to share.
- 俊杰 Junjie我才不想分享呢。Wǒ cái bù xiǎng fēnxiǎng ne.I don't want to share at all.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “brat” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
