Meaning and Usage
"娃娃" primarily means "baby" or "small child" in everyday Chinese. It can also refer to a doll, especially a child's toy doll. The word is often used affectionately to describe young children or cute dolls.
Common Contexts
You will hear "娃娃" used when talking about infants or toddlers, emphasizing their smallness and cuteness. It is also common in phrases describing dolls, such as "布娃娃" (cloth doll) or "洋娃娃" (Western-style doll).
Collocations and Patterns
- "娃娃脸" (baby face): describes a round, youthful face.
- "娃娃车" (baby stroller): a stroller for babies.
- "布娃娃" (cloth doll): a soft doll made of fabric.
Nuances
When referring to children, "娃娃" carries a tender, endearing tone. It is less formal and more intimate than words like "婴儿" (infant). When used for dolls, it highlights the toy's childlike or cute appearance.
Common Confusion
Don't confuse "娃娃" with "娃娃音" which means a babyish or childish voice. Also, "娃娃" is not used for older children or teenagers; it specifically implies very young children or babies.