粘人
The English phrase 'needy' can be translated into Mandarin as 粘人.
粘人 is used to describe someone, often in a romantic relationship, who constantly seeks attention or physical proximity.
Meaning: needing constant affirmation (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The term 粘人 literally means 'sticky person'.
Which one should you use?
While 粘人 can be used affectionately to mean 'sweetly clingy', it can also be used pejoratively to describe someone who is emotionally draining or overly dependent.
Did you know?
- The word 粘 is also used in Chinese cuisine to describe the texture of glutinous rice or mochi. Using it to describe a person's personality creates a sensory link between physical stickiness and emotional clinging.
- To describe the opposite of a 'needy' person, Mandarin speakers might use 高冷 'high and cold'. This describes someone who is distant, aloof, and socially unreachable.
- If you describe a pet as 粘人, it is a high compliment meaning the animal is exceptionally affectionate and follows you around.
Examples in context
- 他们是需要帮助的人They are needy people.
- 许多孩子在这个地区都很贫困Many children in this area are very needy.
- 他总是需要别人照顾He always seems to be needy.
- 这个地方有很多穷困的人This place has many needy people.
- 他这个人太粘人了。Tā zhège rén tài niánrén le.He is too needy.
- 我不喜欢太粘人的男朋友。Wǒ bù xǐhuān tài niánrén de nán péngyǒu.I don't like boyfriends who are too needy.
- 有时候觉得她有点粘人。Yǒu shíhòu juédé tā yǒudiǎn niánrén.Sometimes I feel she is a bit needy.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a person's relationship style at a cafe.
- 雨婷 Yuting你觉得他粘人吗？Nǐ juédé tā niánrén ma?Do you think he is needy?
- 志强 Zhiqiang有一点，他总是想见我。Yǒu yīdiǎn, tā zǒng shì xiǎng jiàn wǒ.A little, he always wants to see me.
- 雨婷 Yuting那确实有点粘人。Nà quèshí yǒudiǎn niánrén.That really is a bit needy.
- 志强 Zhiqiang但我习惯了。Dàn wǒ xíguàn le.But I'm used to it.
