亲爱的
qīn'ài de
In Chinese, the phrase "dear someone" is translated as 亲爱的 (qīn'ài de).
亲爱的 is an affectionate term used to address a person you love or are close to. In modern internet slang and casual texting, people often shorten 亲爱的 to just 亲 to address friends or customers in a friendly way.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of 亲 (close/intimate), 爱 (love) and 的 (a particle that turns the preceding words into an adjective), literally meaning "dear/beloved".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase 尊敬的 is a common formal way to address someone and translates to "Respected" in English. The formal address 敬爱的 translates to "Respected and dear" and is commonly used to address teachers or respected figures.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In southern parts of China, people often use 阿姨 to address an older woman, which translates to "Auntie" in English.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Chinese, the adjective 亲爱的 is placed before the person's name or the noun representing the person.
How do you pronounce it?
qīn'ài de
Did you know?
- The term 亲爱的 is often used sarcastically in arguments to signal that the speaker is becoming impatient or condescending.
- While 亲爱的 is intimate, the shortened form 亲 has become a professional standard for customer service agents on platforms like Taobao to make shoppers feel like friends.
- The character 亲 in 亲爱的 also means 'parent' or 'blood relative' in other contexts, linking the idea of romantic love to familial bonds.
Examples in context
- 尊敬的李先生Respected Mr. Li
- 敬爱的老师Respected teacher
- 亲爱的小明Dear Xiaoming
- 宝贝，我想你了。Darling, I miss you.
- 亲爱的，你累了吗？Qīn'ài de, nǐ lèi le ma?Dear, are you tired?
- 亲爱的，我想你了。Qīn'ài de, wǒ xiǎng nǐ le.Dear, I miss you.
Example conversation
A couple is talking on the phone in the evening.
- 俊杰 Junjie亲爱的，你在做什么？Qīn'ài de, nǐ zài zuò shénme?Dear, what are you doing?
- 佳怡 Jiayi我在看书，俊杰。Wǒ zài kàn shū, Jùnjié.I am reading, Junjie.
- 俊杰 Junjie佳怡，早点休息吧。Jiāyí, zǎodiǎn xiūxi ba.Jiayi, get some rest early.
- 佳怡 Jiayi好的，晚安。Hǎo de, wǎn'ān.Okay, goodnight.
