Meanings of 可爱
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About 可爱
Podcast: 可爱
Podcast: 可爱
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AI Study Notes for 可爱
讨人喜欢 (tǎo rén xǐ huān) - use 可爱 (kě'ài) when emphasizing cuteness or charm, while 讨人喜欢 (tǎo rén xǐ huān) conveys general likability or appeal.
Be careful with tone; the third tone (可) can be easily mispronounced, which may change the meaning. In informal contexts, you might hear it used to compliment someone’s outfit or behavior. Avoid overusing it in formal situations, as it may seem childish.
As an HSK 3 word, 可爱 is a great addition to your vocabulary related to emotions and descriptions. Focus on using it in sentences to describe pets, children, or even inanimate objects to practice adjectives in Mandarin.
Learners sometimes confuse 可爱 with the more formal 美丽, using it inappropriately in contexts requiring a more serious tone. For example, saying '这个小姐姐很可爱' (This young lady is very cute) is fine, but using it to describe a serious business presentation is not appropriate.
Pronunciation of 可爱
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Jason Explains 可爱 to You
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Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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Component Characters
How to say adorable in Chinese
“adorable” in Chinese is可爱
可爱 (kě ài) means 'adorable' or 'cute.' It is commonly used to describe people, animals, or objects that evoke affection or endearment. This term carries a lighthearted connotation and is frequently used in informal contexts such as conversations among friends or in social media.
When to use 可爱
Be careful with tone; the third tone (可) can be easily mispronounced, which may change the meaning. In informal contexts, you might hear it used to compliment someone’s outfit or behavior. Avoid overusing it in formal situations, as it may seem childish.
可爱 or something close to it
讨人喜欢 (tǎo rén xǐ huān) - use 可爱 (kě'ài) when emphasizing cuteness or charm, while 讨人喜欢 (tǎo rén xǐ huān) conveys general likability or appeal.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes confuse 可爱 with the more formal 美丽, using it inappropriately in contexts requiring a more serious tone. For example, saying '这个小姐姐很可爱' (This young lady is very cute) is fine, but using it to describe a serious business presentation is not appropriate.
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Practice writing 可爱 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 可爱
可爱 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
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这孩子多____啊！
What an adorable child!
Example Sentences for 可爱 (10)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 可爱
Yes, you can use 可爱 to describe anything that is perceived as cute, such as clothing, accessories, or even certain behaviors.
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