儿女

• Pinyin: ér nǚ
• Hanzi breakdown: 儿 = simplified form of 兒 (child); 女 = pictograph of a woman

Meaning

Sons and daughters; children (collectively). Refers to one's offspring regardless of gender.

A formal or literary way to refer to one's children as a group. Often used when speaking about family obligations, parental feelings, or in more elevated contexts. Less casual than 孩子.

Examples

1. 他的儿女都很孝顺，经常回家看望父母。 His children are all very filial and often come home to visit their parents.
2. 作为父母，最大的心愿就是儿女健康快乐。 As parents, the greatest wish is for the children to be healthy and happy.
3. 她把一生都奉献给了儿女的教育。 She dedicated her whole life to her children's education.

Usage Guide

Context: family, literature

Tone: respectful

Do Say

• 儿女长大了，父母就放心了。(Once the children grow up, parents can relax.)
• 他为儿女操劳了一辈子。(He worked hard his whole life for his children.)

Don't Say

• 我的儿女今年三岁 (Don't use 儿女 for a single child — use 孩子 or specify 儿子/女儿; 儿女 implies multiple children or is used abstractly)

Origin & History

Compound of 儿 (son) and 女 (daughter), representing children of both genders collectively.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal