Chinese word

撒娇

Pronunciation

Pinyinsā jiāo

Meaning

  • verbact cute

Example

她总是撒娇，大家都喜欢她。tā zǒng shì sā jiāo dà jiā dōu xǐ huān tā

She always acts cute, and everyone likes her.

Illustration for 撒娇 (act cute)

More examples

他在朋友面前不会撒娇。tā zài péng yǒu miàn qián bú huì sā jiāo

He does not act cute in front of his friends.

Core concept

A soft display of vulnerability turns another person's fondness into willingness to indulge or assist.

Common phrases

  • 对男朋友撒娇duì nán péng yǒu sā jiāo

    act cute around one's boyfriend

  • 会撒娇huì sā jiāo

    be good at acting cute

Similar words

卖萌mài méng: Using deliberately childish behavior to seem cute and lovable.
示弱shì ruò: Displaying weakness or helplessness to get someone to help.
讨好táo hǎo: Trying to please someone in order to gain their favor.
依赖yī lài: Depending on someone else for strength, support, or assistance.

Definition in Chinese

通过表现娇弱或依赖的态度来寻求宠爱、照顾或满足小要求的行为。tōng guò biǎo xiàn jiāo ruò huò yī lài de tài dù lái xún qiú chǒng ài zhào gù huò mǎn zú xiǎo yāo qiú de xíng wéi

Word origin

The compound joins 撒 (sā, "to show or give free rein to") with 娇 (jiāo, "delicate charm"), so its formation centers on putting an appealing, dependent manner on display.

Usage tips

  • The word often signals closeness, so describing this behavior toward a stranger or in a formal setting can sound presumptuous because it assumes personal affection.

Other meanings

  • wheedleverb

Opposites

Related words

  • 撒娇鬼sā jiāo guǐperson who acts cutenoun

Word lists with this word