Chinese phrases
How to say cute in Chinese
Cute in Chinese is 可爱 (kě ài). When you see a puppy or a baby, say 好可爱 (hǎo kě ài), “so cute!”
可爱
cute
Ways to say cute
可爱
Everydaycute
For babies, pets, small things and people with a sweet, funny side.
好可爱
Everydayso cute!
The reaction when you see something cute. 好 here means “so.”
可爱死了
With friendstoo cute!
Stronger and playful, with friends.
萌
Textingcute; adorable
An internet word for animals, cartoon characters and small children. 好萌 is “so cute.”
小可爱
Textingcutie
A fond name for a friend or a child, common in messages and comments.
乖
Everydaygood, sweet (of a child or a pet)
Well-behaved and sweet. Parents and grandparents praise a child with 真乖.
Common mistakes
Using 可爱 for an attractive adult
In English, “he’s cute” can mean attractive. 他很可爱 means he’s sweet or funny in a childlike way. For looks, say 帅 or 好看.
Mixing up 可爱 and 可怜
可怜 (kě lián) means “poor thing.” A wet puppy shivering in the rain is 好可怜, not 好可爱.
Pet photos
你看，这是我家的猫。
Qiqi: Look, this is my cat.
哇，好可爱！它叫什么名字？
Leon: Wow, so cute! What’s its name?
叫馒头。
Qiqi: Mantou, like the steamed bun.
名字也好可爱！
Leon: The name is cute too!
