Definition
童真 refers to the innocent, pure, and genuine quality of childhood — a positive trait often cherished in Chinese culture. Unlike 'naïvety' (which can imply gullibility) or 'childishness' (which can imply immaturity), 童真 carries a warm, nostalgic sense of uncorrupted simplicity. You'll hear it in phrases like 保持童真 ('preserve childlike innocence') or 一颗童真的心 ('a childlike heart').
n.
childlike innocenceinnocent and genuine nature of a child
Examples
- 童真。Tā de tóng zhēn ràng rén gǎndào wēnnuǎn.Her childlike innocence makes people feel warm.
- 童真。Chéngniánrén yě xūyào bǎoliú yí fèn tóng zhēn.Adults also need to retain a measure of childlike innocence.
- 童真。Háizi de tóng zhēn shì zuì bǎoguì de dōngxi.A child's innocence is the most precious thing.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.