儿童
Traditional: 兒童
ér tóng HSK 4

English Meaning

📚 Example Sentences

儿童喜欢玩游戏。
Értóng xǐhuan wán yóuxì.
Children like to play games.
这个公园适合儿童。
Zhège gōngyuán shìhé értóng.
This park is suitable for children.
儿童节很快乐。
Értóng Jié hěn kuàilè.
Children's Day is very happy.
儿童喜欢玩具。
Értóng xǐhuān wánjù.
Children like toys.
儿童需要保护。
Értóng xūyào bǎohù.
Children need protection.

💡 Memory Tip

Break down the characters: 儿 (ér) means 'child' or 'son', and 童 (tóng) means 'child' or 'young'. Together, they reinforce the idea of 'children'. Think of it as 'child-child' to remember it refers specifically to young children.

📝 Usage Notes

This word is formal and neutral, commonly used in written contexts, official documents, educational settings, and public signs (e.g., 儿童医院 - children's hospital). It is also used in spoken language when discussing children in a general or respectful manner, such as in news, policies, or child-focused services. It is less casual than alternatives like 小孩儿.

📖 Grammar Points

As a noun, 儿童 can function as a subject (e.g., 儿童需要关爱 - Children need care), object, or modifier in noun-noun compounds (e.g., 儿童书籍 - children's books). It is often used in set phrases or compound terms related to child welfare, education, or activities.

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, 儿童 is associated with values of care, education, and protection, highlighted by events like 儿童节 (June 1st, Children's Day), a major holiday for children. It reflects societal emphasis on childhood development and family-oriented policies.

🔄 Similar Words

儿童 is more formal and broad than 小孩儿 (xiǎoháir, casual term for kids) and 孩子 (háizi, neutral term for child/children, often used in family contexts). Unlike 少年 (shàonián, referring to teenagers/adolescents), 儿童 specifically denotes younger children.

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