Definition
认生 describes the behavior of babies, young children, or pets who are shy, nervous, or wary around strangers. It's a state verb (状态动词) that you can use with 很, 不, or 有点儿. Unlike English 'shy', 认生 specifically implies a reaction to unfamiliar people, not general shyness. You can also say 认生期 (stranger anxiety period) for infants.
s.v.
to be shy or wary of strangers (typically of babies, young children, or pets)
Examples
- 认生，。Zhège háizi hěn rèn shēng, yí jiàn dào mòshēng rén jiù kū.This child is very shy with strangers; he cries as soon as he sees someone unfamiliar.
- 认生，。Wǒ jiā de xiǎo gǒu bù rèn shēng, shéi bào dōu kěyǐ.My puppy isn't wary of strangers — anyone can hold him.
- 认生。Bǎobao liù gè yuè de shíhou kāishǐ rèn shēng le.The baby started being shy with strangers at six months old.
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