Definition
孩子气 describes a childish temperament, behavior, or attitude. It can be used as a noun ('childishness') or as a stative verb ('to be childish'). Unlike 幼稚 (yòuzhì), which sounds more judgmental, 孩子气 often carries a mix of affection and mild criticism — implying someone is acting like a child but not necessarily in a negative way. You can say 他有点孩子气 (He's a bit childish) or 别耍孩子气 (Don't act childish).
noun
childishnesschildish behavior or quality
n./s.v.
(stative verb) to be childishto act like a child
Examples
- ，孩子气。Tā suīrán niánjì bù xiǎo le, dàn hái yǒu yìdiǎn hái zi qì.Although he's not young anymore, he still has a bit of childishness.
- ，孩子气？Nǐ zhème dà de rén le, bié nàme hái zi qì hǎo bù hǎo?You're a grown-up, so don't be so childish, OK?
- 孩子气。Tā nà zhǒng hái zi qì de píqi ràng péngyoumen kū xiào bù dé.His childish temper made his friends not know whether to laugh or cry.
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