宠物
chǒngwù
The English word "pet" is translated into Chinese as 宠物 (chǒngwù).
宠物 is a noun used to describe an animal kept as a companion. In casual, everyday conversation, you might also hear people use the term 小动物 (literally "small animal") to refer to pets or the affectionate term 小宠物 to refer to a pet as a little beloved one.
Meaning: an animal kept as a companion (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 宠物 is composed of 宠 (chǒng), which means to spoil or dote on and 物 (wù), which means thing or object.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
chǒngwù
Did you know?
- While 宠物 is the standard term, some owners use 主子 which means 'master' to refer to their cats, casting themselves as the 'servant'.
- In Chinese culture, the word 宠 can be used as a verb meaning to spoil someone, and historically it referred to a 'favorite' concubine in the imperial court.
- Many Chinese pet owners treat their pets as children, using the term 毛孩子 which literally means 'fur child'.
Examples in context
- “什么宠物一直在地板上？”“地毯。”"What kind of pet is always found on the floor?" "A carpet."This sentence shows the word 宠物 used in a riddle about a carpet.Tatoeba #5611662 by verdastelo9604, translation #4275787 by pinkfreud
- 美国政府一直视英国为美国的宠物。The American government has always regarded England as America's house pet.This sentence shows how 宠物 can be used metaphorically to describe one country's relationship with another.Tatoeba #755520 by eastasiastudent, translation #755522 by eastasiastudent
- 我很喜欢宠物。I really like pets.
- 我家养了只小狗。I have a pet dog at home.
- 我养的金鱼很漂亮。The goldfish I'm raising is very beautiful.
- 养兔子是一种放松的方式。Raising rabbits is a relaxing way to spend time.
- 你想养宠物吗？Nǐ xiǎng yǎng chǒngwù ma?Do you want to keep a pet?
Example conversation
Zhiqiang and Yuting are talking about their homes.
- 志强 Zhiqiang雨婷，你家里有宠物吗？Yǔtíng, nǐ jiālǐ yǒu chǒngwù ma?Yuting, do you have any pets at home?
- 雨婷 Yuting我有，我养了一只小猫。Wǒ yǒu, wǒ yǎngle yī zhī xiǎo māo.I do, I have a little cat.
- 志强 Zhiqiang太可爱了！我也想养宠物。Tài kě'ài le! Wǒ yě xiǎng yǎng chǒngwù.That's so cute! I want to have a pet too.
- 雨婷 Yuting志强，你可以来看看我的猫。Zhìqiáng, nǐ kěyǐ lái kànkan wǒ de māo.Zhiqiang, you can come and see my cat.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
