Meanings of 娃娃
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Podcast: 娃娃
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AI Study Notes for 娃娃
娃娃 (wáwa) vs 小孩 (xiǎohái) — use 娃娃 for a more affectionate or playful connotation, while 小孩 is more neutral and general.
Be careful not to confuse 娃娃 with 童 (tóng), which also refers to children but is more formal. 娃娃 is predominantly informal and is often used in casual speech. Common collocations include 娃娃玩具 (wáwá wánjù - toy doll) and 娃娃亲 (wáwá qīn - arranged marriage when young).
As an HSK Level 6 word, 娃娃 connects with other words related to childhood and family, such as 儿童 (értóng - children) and 孩子 (háizi - kid). Focus on using 娃娃 in sentences that express affection or describe childhood experiences.
Learners often misuse 娃娃 in formal contexts, such as in writing or speeches, where a more formal term like 儿童 (értóng) would be appropriate. For example, saying '娃娃的教育' (wáwa de jiàoyù) instead of '儿童的教育' (értóng de jiàoyù) would be incorrect.
Pronunciation of 娃娃
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Component Characters
How to say baby in Chinese
“baby” in Chinese is娃娃
娃娃 (wáwa) refers to a baby, small child, or doll. It is commonly used in contexts relating to children, toys, or affectionate terms for young ones. This word conveys a sense of innocence and playfulness, making it suitable for informal conversations.
When to use 娃娃
Be careful not to confuse 娃娃 with 童 (tóng), which also refers to children but is more formal. 娃娃 is predominantly informal and is often used in casual speech. Common collocations include 娃娃玩具 (wáwá wánjù - toy doll) and 娃娃亲 (wáwá qīn - arranged marriage when young).
娃娃 or something close to it
娃娃 (wáwa) vs 小孩 (xiǎohái) — use 娃娃 for a more affectionate or playful connotation, while 小孩 is more neutral and general.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 娃娃 in formal contexts, such as in writing or speeches, where a more formal term like 儿童 (értóng) would be appropriate. For example, saying '娃娃的教育' (wáwa de jiàoyù) instead of '儿童的教育' (értóng de jiàoyù) would be incorrect.
Write 娃娃
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Grammar Patterns of 娃娃
娃娃 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 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.
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Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
床头贴着“胖____萝卜”的年画.
The cave was large , but quite warm . It had a stove and eating utensils.
Example Sentences for 娃娃 (8)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 娃娃
娃娃 is more informal and often refers specifically to young children or dolls, while 孩子 is a broader term for kids in general.
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