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宝贝 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
宝贝
bǎobèi
treasured object
HSK 5, nr, 12 strokes, rank #296, Hard
宝贝
bǎobèi
treasure
HSK 5, nr, 12 strokes, rank #296, Hard
宝贝
bǎobèi
darling
HSK 5, nr, 12 strokes, rank #296, Hard
宝贝
bǎobèi
baby
HSK 5, nr, 12 strokes, rank #296, Hard
宝贝
bǎobèi
cowry
HSK 5, nr, 12 strokes, rank #296, Hard
宝贝
bǎobèi
good-for-nothing or queer character
HSK 5, nr, 12 strokes, rank #296, Hard
bǎobèi(bao3bei4)bao bei T3
1treasured object
2treasure
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March 24, 2026
宝贝(寶貝)bǎobèi(bao3bei4)
宝贝 (bǎobèi) refers to a treasured object or something precious, often used in affectionate contexts to denote a darling or baby. It can also describe a cowry shell, historically considered a form of currency, and in some contexts, it can imply a person with questionable value or character.
Strokes12Frequency#296DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, calling someone 宝贝 is a common way to express love or endearment, especially between parents and children, reflecting the importance of familial bonds.
Memory tip
Imagine a shiny golden treasure chest overflowing with jewels (宝). The chest is so precious that you call it your 'baby' (贝) because you cherish it deeply. This connection helps you remember both the pronunciation and meaning.
Meanings of 宝贝
bǎobèi(bao3bei4)
1treasured object
2treasure
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 宝贝
宝贝Simplified
寶貝Traditional
12Strokes
—Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#296Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 宝贝
Podcast: 宝贝
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AI study notes for 宝贝
Quick Contrast
爱人 (àirén) - use 宝贝 (bǎobèi) for something precious or dear, while 爱人 (àirén) specifically refers to a romantic partner.
Usage Notes
When using 宝贝, it’s often in informal settings, especially among friends or family. A common mistake is using it in overly formal contexts; instead, save it for casual interactions. Be cautious with the tone, as the third tone can sometimes be mispronounced.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 宝贝 connects well with other vocabulary related to affection or value. Students should focus on its emotional connotations and practice using it in sentences that convey warmth or endearment.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 宝贝 in formal situations or with people they don't know well, which can come off as overly familiar. For example, saying '你是我的宝贝' (Nǐ shì wǒ de bǎobèi) to a colleague is inappropriate; instead, use their name or title.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 宝贝
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How well do you know 宝贝?
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Learning Lab
Knowing 宝贝 is seven skills, not one.
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.
宝贝 (bǎobèi) refers to a treasured object or something precious, often used in affectionate contexts to denote a darling or baby. It can also describe a cowry shell, historically considered a form of currency, and in some contexts, it can imply a person with questionable value or character.
When to use 宝贝
When using 宝贝, it’s often in informal settings, especially among friends or family. A common mistake is using it in overly formal contexts; instead, save it for casual interactions. Be cautious with the tone, as the third tone can sometimes be mispronounced.
宝贝 or something close to it
爱人 (àirén) - use 宝贝 (bǎobèi) for something precious or dear, while 爱人 (àirén) specifically refers to a romantic partner.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 宝贝 in formal situations or with people they don't know well, which can come off as overly familiar. For example, saying '你是我的宝贝' (Nǐ shì wǒ de bǎobèi) to a colleague is inappropriate; instead, use their name or title.
Write 宝贝
宝
贝
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Practice writing 宝贝 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar patterns of 宝贝
宝贝 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 6 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
“爸爸，我想和你一起去。”——“好吧，好吧，小____。”
"I want to go with you, Daddy."—"Now, now, sweetheart."
