cậu bé
[kəw˧˨ʔ ʔɓɛ˧˦]word by word
In Vietnamese, the phrase for little boy is cậu bé.
cậu bé refers to a diminutive male child. It carries a slightly more literary or narrative tone, similar to saying 'the young lad' in English.
Meaning: a diminutive male child (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of cậu (a term for a young male or a nephew) and bé (small/little).
Which one should you use?
Bé trai is another way to say little boy.
Did you know?
- While cậu bé means 'little boy', the word cậu is also the standard term used to address one's maternal uncle.
- The word cậu in cậu bé is etymologically linked to the Chinese character 舅, which specifically means 'maternal uncle'.
- The word bé is so versatile that it is frequently used as a nickname for children regardless of their actual size or age.
Examples in context
- Cậu bé đó đang chơi bóng.That little boy is playing with a ball.
- Một cậu bé đang đứng đợi ở cửa.A little boy is standing waiting at the door.
- Cậu bé này rất ngoan.This little boy is very well-behaved.
Example conversation
Hung and Lan are at a park.
- HùngLan nhìn cậu bé kia kìa.Lan, look at that little boy.
- LanCậu bé đó dễ thương quá.That little boy is so cute.
- HùngCậu bé đang chạy rất nhanh.The little boy is running very fast.
- LanĐúng vậy, cậu bé thật năng động.True, the little boy is very active.
