可爱的宝宝
kě'ài de bǎobao
The English phrase "cute baby" is translated into Chinese as 可爱的宝宝 (kě'ài de bǎobao).
The phrase is used to describe a young child who is attractive or endearing in a way that inspires affection.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 宝宝 is a reduplicated form of 宝 (treasure), which is a common way to create endearing nouns in Chinese. The particle 的 is an adjectival particle used here to link the adjective 可爱 to the noun 宝宝.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle 的 is used to link the adjective 可爱 to the noun 宝宝.
How do you pronounce it?
kě'ài de bǎobao
Did you know?
- Chinese parents sometimes use 'ugly' nicknames for their 宝宝 to trick spirits into thinking the child is not attractive and therefore not worth stealing.
- In some Chinese cultures, people avoid calling a baby 可爱 or 'cute' too often to avoid attracting envious spirits or bad luck.
- While 宝宝 means 'baby', adults in romantic relationships often call each other 宝宝 as a term of endearment similar to 'baby' or 'sweetheart' in English.
Examples in context
- 噢， 看看那个可爱的宝宝！Oh, look at that cute baby!
- 这个萌娃真是太可爱了！This adorable child is just too cute!
- 你的女儿真是个小可爱！Your daughter is such a little cutie!
- 这个萌娃儿长得真快！This adorable kiddo is growing up so fast!
- 那个可爱的宝宝在睡觉。Nàge kě'ài de bǎobao zài shuìjiào.That cute baby is sleeping.
- 大家都喜欢这个可爱的宝宝。Dàjiā dōu xǐhuān zhège kě'ài de bǎobao.Everyone likes this cute baby.
Example conversation
A couple is visiting a friend's house to see their newborn.
- 雨婷 Yuting浩然，看那个可爱的宝宝！Hàorán, kàn nàge kě'ài de bǎobao!Haoran, look at that cute baby!
- 浩然 Haoran真的，这个宝宝非常可爱。Zhēnde, zhège bǎobao fēicháng kě'ài.Really, this baby is very cute.
- 雨婷 Yuting我也觉得她很可爱。Wǒ yě juéde tā hěn kě'ài.I also think she is cute.
- 浩然 Haoran雨婷，她的眼睛很大。Yǔtíng, tā de yǎnjīng hěn dà.Yuting, her eyes are very big.
