Meaning
宝宝 is an affectionate term for a baby or young child. It can also be used as a term of endearment between romantic partners or close friends, similar to calling someone 'sweetheart' or 'darling' in English. The reduplication of 宝 (treasure) creates a diminutive, tender feeling.
Usage
Native speakers commonly use 宝宝 when talking to or about babies and toddlers. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers frequently use this term. In recent years, it has also become trendy on social media for adults to refer to themselves in the third person as 宝宝 in a cute or humorous way. When addressing children directly, it often carries warmth and affection.
Examples
- 01这个宝宝真可爱！!This baby is so cute!
- 02宝宝饿了，要吃奶了。, .The baby is hungry and wants milk.
Characters
Measure words
- 个一个宝宝
Common collocations
- 小宝宝little baby
- 宝宝睡觉baby is sleeping
- 乖宝宝good baby, well-behaved child
Origin
The word comes from 宝 meaning treasure or precious thing. Reduplicating it creates an affectionate diminutive form commonly used in Chinese to express endearment, especially for children.