宝宝

• Pinyin: bǎo bao
• Hanzi breakdown: 宝宝 = reduplication of 宝 (treasure), expressing endearment for a child

Meaning

Baby; infant. An affectionate term for a very young child.

The standard informal word for a baby or toddler. Used by parents, family members, and caregivers. In modern Chinese internet slang, adults also use 宝宝 playfully to refer to themselves or others in a cute, childish way. The reduplication adds a strong sense of endearment.

Examples

1. 宝宝刚满一岁，已经会叫妈妈了。 The baby just turned one and can already say 'mama.
2. 她每天晚上都给宝宝讲故事。 She tells the baby a story every night.
3. 这个宝宝长得真可爱，眼睛大大的。 This baby is so cute, with big, big eyes.

Usage Guide

Context: family, childcare, everyday

Tone: affectionate

Do Say

• 宝宝饿了吗？妈妈给你做饭。(Is baby hungry? Mummy will make food for you.)
• 她家的宝宝特别乖。(Her baby is particularly well-behaved.)

Don't Say

• 在正式场合用'宝宝'称呼成年人 (Don't call an adult 宝宝 in formal settings — it sounds immature and unprofessional, even though it's common online)

Origin & History

A reduplication of 宝 (treasure), following the Chinese pattern of doubling a character to create an affectionate or diminutive form, as in 妈妈 or 爸爸.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal