tiểu nhi
Definition
- Noun:
- A small child, a young child: A term used to refer to a very young boy or girl, typically of toddler or early childhood age. It conveys a sense of tenderness and smallness.
- My/our little one: A term of endearment used by parents or close family members when addressing or referring to their own young child.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Khu vui chơi này dành cho tiểu nhi. (This playground is for young children.)
- Tiểu nhi của mẹ đang ngủ. (My little one is sleeping.)
Advanced Usage
- The term "tiểu nhi" is somewhat literary and tender. In modern, everyday spoken Vietnamese, words like "trẻ con", "em bé", or "đứa trẻ" are more common for "child." "Tiểu nhi" is often used in written contexts, affectionate speech, or to sound poetic.
Variants and Related Words
Trẻ thơ (n): young child, infant; emphasizes innocence.
- Giọng hát trong trẻo của trẻ thơ. (The clear voice of a young child.)
Em bé (n): baby, infant.
- Em bé mới sinh. (A newborn baby.)
Synonyms
- Young child: A child of a very young age.
- Little one: A term of endearment for a small child.
- Toddler: A young child who is just beginning to walk.
Related Idioms
- Tiểu nhi vô tội: An idiom meaning "young children are innocent" or "children are blameless," highlighting the perceived innocence of early childhood.
- Đừng trách nó, tiểu nhi vô tội mà. (Don't blame him; young children are innocent.)