小熊
xiǎoxióng
The Chinese phrase for "little bear" is 小熊 (xiǎoxióng).
小熊 refers to a small bear or a bear-shaped object, such as a teddy bear or a bear-shaped stuffed toy.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 小 (xiǎo), meaning "small" and 熊 (xióng), meaning "bear".
Which one should you use?
While 小熊 is the standard term, you may encounter 小熊熊, which is an informal version that carries a cute and affectionate connotation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Hokkien, the term 小熊仔 (Siǎo Hiong-á) is used to refer to a little bear.
How do you pronounce it?
xiǎoxióng
When do people say it?
Adding the character 仔 to a phrase can add a sense of endearment.
Did you know?
- While 小熊 describes a bear, the word 熊 (xióng) is also used in the phrase 熊孩子 (xióng háizi) to describe a 'bratty child' who is difficult to manage.
- The character 熊 (xióng) originally depicted a bear with a large head and claws in ancient oracle bone script, reflecting the animal's physical dominance.
- When using the term 小熊 for a stuffed toy, a Chinese speaker might use the measure word 只 (zhī) to count them, which is the same measure word used for living, small animals.
Examples in context
- 我买了一只小熊仔作为礼物。I bought a little bear as a gift.
- 这个卡通角色是一个小熊。This cartoon character is a little bear.
- 看！那是一个可爱的小熊熊。Look! That's an adorable little bear.
- 我有一只小熊玩具。Wǒ yǒu yī zhǐ xiǎoxióng wánjù.I have a little bear toy.
- 那个小熊很可爱。Nàge xiǎoxióng hěn kě'ài.That little bear is very cute.
- 他在抱那只小熊。Tā zài bào nà zhǐ xiǎoxióng.He is hugging that little bear.
Example conversation
At a gift shop, Yu Ting is looking at stuffed animals.
- 雨婷 Yuting志强，你看这只小熊好看吗？Zhìqiáng, nǐ kàn zhè zhǐ xiǎoxióng hǎokàn ma?Zhiqiang, do you think this little bear looks good?
- 志强 Zhiqiang这只小熊很漂亮。Zhè zhǐ xiǎoxióng hěn piàoliang.This little bear is very pretty.
- 雨婷 Yuting我也觉得它很可爱。Wǒ yě juéde tā hěn kě'ài.I also think it is very cute.
- 志强 Zhiqiang那我们就买它吧。Nà wǒmen jiù mǎi tā ba.Then let's buy it.
