Definition
小名 refers to the informal, affectionate name a child is given by family members, often used at home instead of the formal given name (大名). It's a common cultural practice in Chinese families — the nickname may persist into adulthood within close circles, but typically only family and very close friends use it. Unlike English 'pet names' which are often romantic, 小名 is strictly family or childhood-based.
n.
childhood nicknamepet name (used by family and close relatives)
Examples
- 小名，。Tā de xiǎo míng jiào Dòudou, jiālǐ rén dōu zhème jiào tā.His childhood nickname is Doudou; everyone in the family calls him that.
- ，小名。Suīrán zhǎng dà le, dàn nǎinai háishì jiào tā de xiǎo míng.Even though he's grown up, his grandmother still calls him by his childhood nickname.
- 小名。Zhōngguó rén gěi háizi qǔ xiǎo míng tōngcháng qǔ hǎotīng yòu róngyì jiào de.Chinese people usually give their children childhood nicknames that are pleasant and easy to say.
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