Definition

1. Noun:
   • Children, young children: Refers to young human beings, typically from infancy to adolescence. This term carries a tone of affection, endearment, or general reference to the young.
   • The young, offspring: Can refer more broadly to the younger generation or one's own children.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Tiếng cười của con trẻ vang khắp sân chơi. (The laughter of the children echoed across the playground.)
  • Công viên này rất phù hợp cho con trẻ. (This park is very suitable for young children.)
  • Chăm sóc sức khỏe cho con trẻ là ưu tiên hàng đầu. (Taking care of children's health is the top priority.)

Advanced Usage

• "tuổi con trẻ": childhood, youth.

  • Ông ấy thường kể về những kỷ niệm tuổi con trẻ. (He often tells stories about the memories of his childhood.)

• Used in a general, collective sense rather than for a specific, known child. For a specific child, "đứa trẻ" or "em bé" is more common.

Variants and Related Words

• Trẻ con (n): A very close synonym, also meaning "children." The order "con trẻ" can sound slightly more formal or literary than "trẻ con."
• Trẻ em (n): Children, kids. This is the most standard and neutral term.
• Trẻ nhỏ (n): Small children, little ones.
• Thiếu nhi (n): Children (often used in formal or organizational contexts, e.g., "Ngày Quốc tế Thiếu nhi" - International Children's Day).

Synonyms

• Trẻ em: children, kids (neutral).
• Trẻ nhỏ: little children, young kids.
• Bọn trẻ: the kids (informal, collective).

Related Phrases

• Nói chuyện con trẻ: To talk down to someone, to speak in a condescending manner (as if to a child).
  • Đừng nói chuyện con trẻ với tôi! (Don't talk down to me!)

Related Idioms

• Con trẻ là bản sao của cha mẹ: Children are copies of their parents. (Similar to "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.")
• Dạy con từ thuở còn thơ / Dạy vợ từ thuở bơ vơ mới về: Teach children from when they are young / Teach a wife from when she first arrives. (Highlights the importance of early education and guidance.)