Chinese word

宝宝

Pronunciation

Pinyinbǎo bǎo

Meaning

  • nounbaby

Example

她的宝宝两个月大。tā de báo bǎo liǎng gè yuè dà

Her baby is two months old.

Illustration for 宝宝 (baby)

More examples

妈妈在客厅里哄宝宝睡觉。mā mā zài kè tīng lǐ hǒng báo bǎo shuì jiào

Mom is soothing the baby to sleep in the living room.

Core concept

A precious little one kept emotionally close, with tenderness that can extend to a loved adult.

Common phrases

  • 抱宝宝bào báo bǎo

    hold the baby

  • 照顾宝宝zhào gù báo bǎo

    take care of the baby

  • 哄宝宝hǒng báo bǎo

    soothe the baby

Similar words

宝贝bǎo bèi: An affectionate name for a loved one or a precious thing, showing tender fondness.
婴儿yīng ér: A formal noun for a newborn or very young child.
孩子hái zi: A general noun for a child of any age.

Definition in Chinese

宝宝常用于口语，既可指婴儿本身，也可作为对亲近对象（如恋人、孩子）的爱称，带有亲昵和溺爱意味。báo bǎo cháng yòng yú kóu yǔ jì kě zhǐ yīng ér běn shēn yě kě zuò wéi duì qīn jìn duì xiàng rú liàn rén hái zi de ài chēng dài yǒu qīn nì hé nì ài yì wèi

Word origin

宝宝 (bǎobǎo, "baby") is formed by repeating 宝 (bǎo, "treasure") + 宝 (bǎo, "treasure"), linking the word with someone valued and fondly cared for.

Usage tips

  • The same familiar form covers family affection and romantic affection in everyday speech, so context and relationship determine whether it sounds warm or overly familiar.

Other meanings

  • sweetheartnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word