小朋友

• Pinyin: xiǎo péng yǒu
• Hanzi breakdown: 小 = small/young; 朋 = two 月 (moon) side by side — companions; 友 = 又 (hand) suggesting mutual support — friend

Meaning

Children; little friends. A friendly, affectionate address for young children.

Used by adults when speaking to or about young children, in the same warm way an English speaker might say 'kids' or 'little ones'. Commonly heard in schools, hospitals, TV programmes, and anywhere adults interact with children. It is always used in the plural or as a collective address, even when speaking to one child.

Examples

1. 小朋友们，今天我们学一首新歌。 Children, today we're learning a new song.
2. 这个节目是给小朋友看的。 This programme is for children to watch.
3. 小朋友，你的妈妈在哪里？ Little one, where is your mum?

Usage Guide

Context: education, family, everyday

Tone: affectionate

Do Say

• 小朋友们，请坐下。(Children, please sit down.)
• 这位小朋友，你叫什么名字？(Little one, what's your name?)

Don't Say

• 对成年人说'小朋友'。(Don't use 小朋友 for adults — it can sound condescending)

Origin & History

Formed from 小 (small/young) + 朋友 (friend). Literally 'little friend(s)', a warm and inclusive way to address children.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal