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How to Say ‘Children’ in Simplified Chinese

小朋友

xiǎo péng yǒu

[shyao pung yoh]

🇨🇳 In China: [小朋友] literally means "little friend," but adults commonly use it to mean children in a warm, everyday way. Staff may say it to parents because it sounds friendlier than a more clinical word for children.

Phrase Breakdown

小朋友

xiǎo péng yǒu

[shyao pung yoh]

child; young child

A friendly and common way to refer to children.

Example

请问有小朋友一起用餐吗?

May I ask if there are children dining with you?

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