贪玩儿

• Pinyin: tān wánr
• Hanzi breakdown: 贪 = 今 + 贝; 玩 = 王 (jade) + 元 (origin); 儿 = diminutive suffix

Meaning

To be fond of playing; playful; more interested in fun than work. Often describes children.

A colloquial term, often used affectionately or with mild disapproval, for someone (usually a child) who prefers playing to studying or working. The 儿 suffix gives it a Beijing dialect flavor.

Examples

1. 这孩子太贪玩儿了，作业总是拖到最后一分钟才做。 This kid loves playing too much — homework always gets left until the last minute.
2. 年轻时谁不贪玩儿啊，等长大了自然就懂事了。 Who wasn't fond of playing when they were young? They'll naturally mature when they grow up.
3. 别光顾着贪玩儿，该学习的时候还是要认真学习。 Don't just think about playing — when it's time to study, you still need to study seriously.

Usage Guide

Context: family, education

Tone: mild reproach

Do Say

• 他从小就贪玩儿。(He's loved playing since he was little.)
• 贪玩儿的孩子也聪明。(Playful kids are smart too.)

Don't Say

• 用'贪玩儿'批评成年人的严肃场合 (In formal contexts, use more serious terms like 不务正业)

Origin & History

贪 means to crave or be greedy for, 玩儿 means to play. Together: to crave playing.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal