亲爱的
qīn'ài de
The English phrase "my darling" is translated into Chinese as 亲爱的 (qīn'ài de).
亲爱的 is a term of endearment used to address a person who is loved deeply. The term 亲爱的 (qīn ài de) can be used informally between people who share a close relationship. Unlike English, where 'darling' is almost exclusively used for romantic partners or children, 亲爱的 can also be used more broadly in letters or social media to address a group of followers or friends.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 亲爱的 is composed of 亲 (close/intimate), 爱 (love) and 的 (adjectival particle), literally meaning 'dear/beloved'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain regions, particularly in Northern parts of China, 心肝儿 (xīn gān r) is used instead of 心肝宝贝 to express deep affection.
How do you pronounce it?
qīn'ài de
Did you know?
- In some online shopping or customer service contexts, staff may call customers 亲 (qīn) instead of the full 亲爱的. This shortened version has become a ubiquitous, almost clinical way to say 'dear' in digital commerce.
- While 亲爱的 is gender-neutral, some couples use the more specific 老公 (lǎo gōng) or 老婆 (lǎo pō), which literally mean 'old husband' and 'old wife'.
- The word 亲 (qīn) originally referred to blood relatives, meaning the term 亲爱的 shares a root with the word for 'family'.
Examples in context
- 亲爱的，我们跳舞吧。Let's dance, my darling.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of 亲爱的.Tatoeba #335368 by fucongcong, translation #35841 by jakov
- 亲爱的，你今天真漂亮。Qīn'ài de, nǐ jīntiān zhēn piàoliang.My darling, you are truly beautiful today.
- 我想你了，亲爱的。Wǒ xiǎng nǐ le, qīn'ài de.I miss you, my darling.
Example conversation
A couple is deciding what to eat for dinner.
- 浩然 Haoran亲爱的，你想吃什么？Qīn'ài de, nǐ xiǎng chī shénme?My darling, what do you want to eat?
- 梓涵 Zihan我想吃意大利面。Wǒ xiǎng chī yìdàlìmiàn.I want to eat pasta.
- 浩然 Haoran没问题，我现在就订餐。Méi wèntí, wǒ xiànzài jiù dìngcān.No problem, I will order now.
- 梓涵 Zihan谢谢你，浩然。Xièxiè nǐ, Hàorán.Thank you, Haoran.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
