When you're just starting out in Chinese, it's great to learn words that help you describe things. 可爱 (kě'ài) is one of those super useful words! It means "cute" or "lovely."
You can use it to talk about babies, pets, or even a cute outfit. It's a positive word that expresses affection. Mastering simple adjectives like this will really help you expand your ability to express yourself.
When you want to say something or someone is cute or lovely in Chinese, the word you're looking for is 可爱 (kě ài). It’s a versatile adjective that you can use for people, animals, or even objects. For example, if you see a charming little puppy, you could say “这只小狗很可爱” (zhè zhī xiǎo gǒu hěn kě ài), meaning “This puppy is very cute.” You can also use it to describe a person's appearance or behavior, like saying a child is cute. So, remember 可爱 (kě ài) for all things adorable!
When using the word 可爱 (kě'ài) in Chinese, it's generally straightforward for B2 learners. It directly translates to 'cute' or 'lovely'.
You can use it to describe people, especially children and babies, as well as animals and even objects. For example, you can say 这个孩子很可爱 (zhège háizi hěn kě'ài), meaning 'This child is very cute'.
You can also use it to express that something is charming or endearing. However, avoid using it to describe adult romantic partners in a serious or deep way, as it might sound a bit childish.
Instead, for a deeper romantic connection, you might use terms like 美丽 (měilì - beautiful) or 帅气 (shuàiqì - handsome). 可爱 is best kept for things that evoke a sense of sweet, gentle affection.
When using “可爱” to describe something as cute or lovely, it's typically used for people, especially children, or for animals and objects. However, be mindful that using “可爱” for adults in a romantic context might come across as less serious or a bit childish.
For instance, you can say “她的小狗很可爱” (Her little dog is very cute) or “这个宝宝真可爱” (This baby is truly lovely). But if you tell an adult partner “你真可爱,” it might imply they're endearing in a childlike way, which may not always be the intended compliment. Consider the context and your relationship carefully.
知っておくべき文法
可爱 (kě'ài) is an adjective, so it can directly modify a noun. For example, 可爱 + 的 + Noun.
她有一个可爱的女儿。(Tā yǒu yīgè kě'ài de nǚ'ér.) She has a cute daughter.
可爱 (kě'ài) can be used after an adverb like 很 (hěn, very) or 非常 (fēicháng, extremely) to intensify its meaning.
这只猫很可爱。(Zhè zhī māo hěn kě'ài.) This cat is very cute.
可爱 (kě'ài) can be used as a predicate in a sentence, often with a linking verb like 是 (shì, to be) or 看起来 (kàn qǐlái, to look/seem).
这件衣服看起来很可爱。(Zhè jiàn yīfu kàn qǐlái hěn kě'ài.) This dress looks very cute.
可爱 (kě'ài) can be repeated (AABB form) for emphasis, such as 可可爱爱 (kěkě'ài'ài). This is often used informally and adds a stronger sense of cuteness.
小宝宝可可爱爱的。(Xiǎo bǎobǎo kěkě'ài'ài de.) The little baby is super cute.
可爱 (kě'ài) can describe both people and things, but it's more commonly used for children, animals, or small, charming objects.
这只狗狗真可爱！(Zhè zhī gǒu gǒu zhēn kě'ài!) This puppy is really cute!
レベル別の例文
你穿这件衣服真可爱！
You look really cute in this outfit!
这只小猫非常可爱，我想抱抱它。
This kitten is very cute, I want to hug it.
她的笑容很可爱，让人看了心情很好。
Her smile is very lovely; it makes people feel good.
我的妹妹总是做一些可爱的小事情。
My younger sister always does cute little things.
这部电影里的卡通人物都设计得很可爱。
The cartoon characters in this movie are all designed very cutely.
他送给我的礼物很可爱，我非常喜欢。
The gift he gave me is very cute, I like it a lot.
孩子们在公园里玩耍，看起来非常可爱。
The children are playing in the park, looking very lovely.
虽然有点调皮，但这只小狗还是很可爱。
Although a bit naughty, this puppy is still very cute.
那只小猫咪真是太可爱了，它有一双圆圆的眼睛和柔软的毛发。
That little kitten is really so cute, it has round eyes and soft fur.
太...了 (tài...le) is used to express 'too...' or 'so...'.
你的新发型很可爱，很适合你。
Your new hairstyle is very cute, it suits you well.
很 (hěn) means 'very', 适合 (shìhé) means 'to suit' or 'to fit'.
她送给我一个可爱的娃娃，我非常喜欢。
She gave me a cute doll, I like it very much.
送给 (sònggěi) means 'to give as a gift'.
这个小女孩总是穿着可爱的裙子，像个小公主一样。
This little girl always wears cute dresses, like a little princess.
像...一样 (xiàng... yīyàng) means 'like... as if'.
他做了一个可爱的鬼脸，把大家都逗笑了。
He made a cute funny face, which made everyone laugh.
把 (bǎ) is a pre-transitive marker, 逗笑 (dòuxiào) means 'to make someone laugh'.
这对情侣在公园里散步，手牵着手，看起来真可爱。
This couple was walking in the park, hand in hand, looking really lovely.
牵着手 (qiānzhe shǒu) means 'holding hands'.
虽然这个机器人有点笨拙，但它的设计真的很可爱。
Although this robot is a bit clumsy, its design is really cute.
虽然...但 (suīrán...dàn) means 'although...but'.
她唱歌的时候，脸上总是带着可爱的笑容。
When she sings, her face always has a cute smile.
带着 (dàizhe) means 'carrying' or 'wearing' (a smile, expression, etc.).
自分をテスト 90 問
这只猫很__。
The sentence describes the cat as cute. '漂亮' means beautiful, '大' means big, and '快' means fast.
她有一个很__的宝宝。
Babies are often described as cute. '高' means tall, '好' means good, and '重' means heavy.
你家的狗真__。
Dogs are often described as cute. '长' means long, '短' means short, and '旧' means old.
这件衣服很__。
Clothes can be described as cute. '贵' means expensive, '便宜' means cheap, and '长' means long.
小熊猫很__。
Little pandas are widely considered cute. '大' means big, '小' means small, and '慢' means slow.
她画的画很__。
A drawing can be described as cute. '难' means difficult, '容易' means easy, and '多' means many.
Which of these means 'cute' or 'lovely'?
可爱 (kě'ài) is the Chinese word for 'cute' or 'lovely'.
My cat is very ______.
The sentence is describing the cat's appearance or nature, so 'cute' is the most appropriate word.
Which sentence uses '可爱' correctly?
可爱 (kě'ài) is an adjective, so it describes a noun. The first sentence uses it correctly to describe the cat.
You can say '这个孩子很可爱' (Zhège háizi hěn kě'ài) to mean 'This child is very cute.'
Yes, '可爱' is used to describe people, especially children, as cute or lovely.
The word '可爱' means 'delicious'.
No, '可爱' means 'cute' or 'lovely'. 'Delicious' is '好吃' (hǎochī).
You can use '可爱' to describe a beautiful flower.
Yes, '可爱' can be used to describe lovely or charming things, including flowers.
这只小猫真___。
The sentence means 'This kitten is truly cute.' '可爱' (kě'ài) means 'cute' or 'lovely'. The other options don't fit the context.
她的小女儿非常___，大家都喜欢她。
The sentence means 'Her little daughter is very cute, everyone likes her.' '可爱' (kě'ài) is the correct adjective to describe someone who is liked by everyone due to their charm.
你喜欢这个___的玩具吗？
The sentence means 'Do you like this cute toy?' '可爱' (kě'ài) describes the appealing quality of a toy. The other options don't make sense in this context.
那个宝宝的笑容真___。
The sentence means 'That baby's smile is truly cute.' '可爱' (kě'ài) is the most fitting adjective to describe a baby's smile.
她穿了一件很___的衣服。
The sentence means 'She wore a very cute outfit.' '可爱' (kě'ài) can describe clothes that are charming or appealing in design.
我看到一只___的小狗在公园里玩。
The sentence means 'I saw a cute puppy playing in the park.' '可爱' (kě'ài) is commonly used to describe young animals like puppies.
The little dog is very cute!
Look, this child is so lovely.
She likes all cute small animals.
Read this aloud:
你的猫真可爱。
Focus: 可(kě)
あなたの回答：
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Read this aloud:
这件衣服很可爱。
Focus: 爱(ài)
あなたの回答：
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Read this aloud:
我有一个可爱的妹妹。
Focus: 妹(mèi)
あなたの回答：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Describe a cute animal you like. Why do you think it's cute?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我喜欢小猫，它们很可爱。它们有大眼睛和软软的毛。
You see a friend's new baby. What would you say about the baby, using '可爱'?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
你的孩子真可爱！
Write a short sentence about something small and cute you saw today.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我今天看到一只可爱的小鸟。
根据短文，作者对这件衣服有什么看法？
Read this passage:
这件衣服真可爱，颜色也很好看。我很想买它，但是有点贵。我想我还是再看看别的吧。
根据短文，作者对这件衣服有什么看法？
文章中说“这件衣服真可爱”，又说“有点贵”。
文章中说“这件衣服真可爱”，又说“有点贵”。
从短文中可以知道小狗的什么特点？
Read this passage:
小狗喜欢和人玩。它的眼睛大大的，毛很软。很多人都觉得它很可爱。
从短文中可以知道小狗的什么特点？
文章中提到“它的眼睛大大的，毛很软”。
文章中提到“它的眼睛大大的，毛很软”。
女孩的裙子有什么特点？
Read this passage:
那个女孩有一件可爱的裙子。裙子上面有很多小花。
女孩的裙子有什么特点？
文章中说“有一件可爱的裙子。裙子上面有很多小花。”
文章中说“有一件可爱的裙子。裙子上面有很多小花。”
The correct order is Subject (这小狗) + Adverb (很) + Adjective (可爱).
The correct order is Subject (她的猫) + Adverb (真) + Adjective (可爱).
The correct order is Subject (这个宝宝) + Adverb (太) + Adjective (可爱) + Particle (了) for emphasis.
她觉得那只小猫非常___。
The sentence describes how she feels about the kitten. '可爱' (kě'ài) means 'cute' or 'lovely', which fits the context of a kitten.
这个孩子总是那么___，每个人都喜欢他。
The sentence implies a positive quality that makes everyone like the child. '可爱' (kě'ài) meaning 'cute' or 'lovable' is the best fit here.
你给我的那个小礼物真___，我很喜欢。
When describing a small gift that someone likes, '可爱' (kě'ài) meaning 'cute' or 'charming' is a common and appropriate adjective.
公园里的那些小动物都非常___，吸引了很多游客。
Small animals attracting many tourists are likely to be seen as '可爱' (kě'ài), meaning 'cute' or 'appealing'.
她画的卡通人物都非常___，深受小朋友的喜爱。
Cartoon characters that are loved by children are typically '可爱' (kě'ài), meaning 'cute' or 'charming'.
这首歌的旋律很___，歌词也很简单。
When describing a melody that is also simple, '可爱' (kě'ài) can be used to mean 'sweet' or 'pleasant', fitting the overall tone.
Describe a cute animal you like. Why do you think it's cute?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我最喜欢的小狗。它很可爱，因为它有大大的眼睛和毛茸茸的尾巴。
Imagine you are describing a baby to a friend. Use '可爱' in your description.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
你看，这个小宝宝真可爱！她的笑容很甜。
Write a short message to a friend about a cute gift you received. What was the gift and why was it cute?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我收到一个可爱的熊猫玩偶，我很喜欢！谢谢你的礼物。
这篇文章主要描述了什么？
Read this passage:
小猫很可爱，它喜欢玩毛线球。每次看到它，我都会觉得很开心。
这篇文章主要描述了什么？
文章开头就提到“小猫很可爱”，并且后面描述了它的行为让人开心。
文章开头就提到“小猫很可爱”，并且后面描述了它的行为让人开心。
根据这段文字，她穿着的裙子有什么特点？
Read this passage:
她穿着一件可爱的连衣裙，裙子上有许多小花。大家都说她看起来像个小公主。
根据这段文字，她穿着的裙子有什么特点？
原文中明确提到“裙子上有许多小花”。
原文中明确提到“裙子上有许多小花”。
为什么大家都觉得这个小男孩很可爱？
Read this passage:
这个小男孩的眼睛大大的，笑起来的时候还有两个小酒窝，非常可爱。每次他一来，家里就充满了欢声笑语。
为什么大家都觉得这个小男孩很可爱？
文中提到“眼睛大大的，笑起来的时候还有两个小酒窝，非常可爱”。
文中提到“眼睛大大的，笑起来的时候还有两个小酒窝，非常可爱”。
她看到那只小猫非常___，忍不住想抱抱它。
句子描述了小猫让人想抱的特点，'可爱' (cute; lovely) 最符合语境。'漂亮' (beautiful) 描述外貌，'聪明' (smart) 描述智力，'活泼' (lively) 描述性格，都不如'可爱'贴切。
这个孩子特别___，总是能用他那天真的笑容感染周围的人。
孩子的天真笑容能够感染人，最能体现这一点的是'可爱' (cute; lovely)。'淘气' (naughty) 和 '调皮' (mischievous) 带有负面或中性色彩，'懂事' (sensible) 强调明事理，都不如'可爱'符合语境。
你的新发型很___，让人眼前一亮。
“让人眼前一亮”表示发型很好看，'可爱' (cute; lovely) 在描述发型时通常指显得年轻、活泼、有吸引力。'普通' (ordinary)、'奇怪' (strange) 和 '一般' (average) 均不符合语境。
这份礼物包装得非常___，里面一定藏着惊喜。
礼物包装“非常可爱” (cute; lovely) 可以指包装盒设计独特、有趣或精致，让人期待。'大方' (generous) 描述人或行为，'精美' (exquisite) 强调工艺，'实用' (practical) 强调功能，都不如'可爱'更能表达包装带来的惊喜感。
她说话的声音细细的，带着一点点鼻音，听起来非常___。
细细的、带鼻音的声音通常给人一种柔和、娇憨的感觉，因此用'可爱' (cute; lovely) 来形容非常贴切，表达了声音的吸引力。'洪亮' (loud)、'沙哑' (hoarse) 和 '尖锐' (sharp) 都与语境不符。
这家咖啡馆的装修风格很___，随处可见一些小摆件，让人感到放松和愉悦。
“随处可见一些小摆件，让人感到放松和愉悦”说明装修风格是温馨、有趣的，'可爱' (cute; lovely) 能很好地形容这种风格，指其有吸引力且讨人喜欢。'奢华' (luxurious)、'简约' (minimalist) 和 '复古' (retro) 描述的是其他类型的风格。
Listen to the sentence about a cute dog.
Listen to the speaker's opinion on an item of clothing.
Listen to the description of a drawing.
Read this aloud:
这只熊猫宝宝太可爱了，它的毛茸茸的身体和圆圆的眼睛真是让人心都化了。
Focus: 可爱的 (kě'ài de)
あなたの回答：
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Read this aloud:
她的笑容很可爱，总是能感染周围的人。
Focus: 笑容 (xiàoróng)
あなたの回答：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
你觉得卡通人物多啦A梦可爱吗？它有哪些让你觉得可爱的地方？
Focus: 卡通人物 (kǎtōng rénwù)
あなたの回答：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence describes how cute a dog is. '那只' (that one) refers to '小狗' (puppy), and '真是' (really) emphasizes '可爱' (cute).
This sentence means 'Her smile made everyone feel very cute'. '她的笑容' (her smile) is the subject, '让大家感到' (made everyone feel) is the verb phrase, and '很可爱' (very cute) describes the feeling.
This sentence translates to 'The design of this toy is very cute'. '这个玩具' (this toy) is modified by '的', and '设计' (design) is the noun being described as '非常可爱' (very cute).
The kitten is very cute, it keeps playing with its own tail.
Her smile is lovely, making everyone feel warm.
The main character of this animation is designed very cutely and is loved by children.
Read this aloud:
你觉得什么动物最可爱？为什么？
Focus: 可爱
あなたの回答：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
描述一下你见过的最可爱的东西或场景。
Focus: 可爱
あなたの回答：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
在日常生活中，你会在什么情况下使用“可爱”这个词？
Focus: 可爱
あなたの回答：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Choose the most appropriate synonym for "可爱" (kě'ài) in a formal context.
While all options can express fondness, '招人喜爱' (zhāo rén xǐ'ài) carries a more formal and sophisticated nuance, often used to describe something or someone that naturally attracts affection and admiration, aligning well with C2 level vocabulary.
Which of the following phrases best describes a situation where "可爱" might be used ironically or with a hint of sarcasm?
In this context, '可爱' (kě'ài) is used to imply that the theory, while perhaps initially appealing or naive, is ultimately impractical or absurd, demonstrating a C2 understanding of subtle connotations.
When describing a profound artistic work, which word would be least suitable to replace "可爱" if you wanted to convey a sense of charming delicacy?
While '雅致' (yǎzhì), '精巧' (jīngqiǎo), and '秀美' (xiùměi) can all convey a sense of refined charm and delicacy appropriate for artistic works, '俏皮' (qiàopí) leans more towards playful and mischievous, which is generally not suitable for describing profound artistic works at a C2 level.
In a formal speech, describing an influential political figure as "非常可爱" (fēicháng kě'ài) is always appropriate to express genuine admiration for their endearing qualities.
While '可爱' (kě'ài) can express genuine admiration, using '非常可爱' for an influential political figure in a formal speech might be perceived as overly casual or even slightly diminishing of their stature, depending on the context and cultural nuances. A C2 learner should understand these subtle social appropriateness.
The phrase "可爱之处" (kě'ài zhī chù) can be used to refer to the endearing or charming aspects of something, even if that something is not typically associated with cuteness.
'可爱之处' (kě'ài zhī chù) can indeed refer to the attractive or appealing features of a concept, an idea, or even a complex system, extending beyond the literal meaning of 'cute' to encompass charming or admirable qualities, which is a nuanced understanding at C2 level.
When commenting on a child's mischievous behavior, saying "这孩子真是可爱死了" (zhè háizi zhēn shì kě'ài sǐ le) always implies extreme fondness without any underlying exasperation.
While '可爱死了' (kě'ài sǐ le) can express extreme fondness, when applied to mischievous behavior, it often carries a subtext of exasperated affection, acknowledging the naughtiness while still finding it charming. A C2 learner should be aware of such dual interpretations.
Describe a time you saw something or someone particularly adorable. Use '可爱' in your description and elaborate on what made it so cute.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我记得有一次在公园里看到一只小狗，它的眼睛又大又圆，毛茸茸的身体在地上滚来滚去，真是太可爱了。它追着自己的尾巴玩，一不小心就跌倒了，然后又很快地爬起来继续玩。我看着它，心里充满了温暖和快乐，因为它真的非常可爱。
Imagine you are writing a review for a children's book. How would you use '可爱' to describe the characters or illustrations? Provide specific examples.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
这本儿童书的插画风格非常独特，每一个角色都设计得超级可爱。比如，书中的小熊主角，它总是穿着一件蓝色的小背心，胖乎乎的脸颊和两只圆耳朵让它看起来格外讨人喜欢。即使是反派角色，比如那只总是想偷蜂蜜的狐狸，作者也把它画得很可爱，一点都不吓人，反而带有一丝幽默感，让孩子们更容易接受故事内容。
Discuss the nuanced differences between '可爱' and '漂亮' when describing a person. When would you use one over the other, and why?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
在描述一个人时，'可爱' 和 '漂亮' 之间存在细微但重要的区别。'漂亮' 通常侧重于外表的吸引力，强调五官的精致、身材的匀称等，更偏向于视觉上的美感。而 '可爱' 则更多地包含了天真、活泼、讨人喜欢的气质，可能不仅仅是外表，还包括言行举止带来的那种令人感到愉悦和温暖的感觉。例如，我们会说一个长得很美的成年女性“漂亮”，但如果她做了一些童真或憨态可掬的动作，我们可能会觉得她“可爱”。对于小孩子，通常用“可爱”来形容其天真烂漫，而较少用“漂亮”，除非是强调其五官长得像小大人般精致。简单来说，'漂亮' 更关乎美貌，而 '可爱' 更多地关乎吸引人的气质和让人心生好感的特质。
根据文章内容，'可爱' 在中国文化中除了形容外貌，还可以用来表达什么？
Read this passage:
在中国文化中，'可爱' 这个词不仅用来形容外貌上的吸引力，还常常用来表达对一个人性格、行为举止的喜爱和赞赏。例如，一个孩子即使长相普通，但如果他聪明伶俐、善解人意，人们也可能会说他很可爱。甚至在成年人之间，如果某人表现出孩子气、天真的一面，或者做了让人会心一笑的事情，也可以用 '可爱' 来形容，这通常带有褒义。
根据文章内容，'可爱' 在中国文化中除了形容外貌，还可以用来表达什么？
文章中明确提到“还常常用来表达对一个人性格、行为举止的喜爱和赞赏”。
文章中明确提到“还常常用来表达对一个人性格、行为举止的喜爱和赞赏”。
文章指出，宠物主人用“可爱”形容宠物，除了外形特征，更重要的是什么？
Read this passage:
很多宠物主人喜欢用“可爱”来形容他们的动物伙伴。这不仅仅是因为宠物的外形特征，例如毛茸茸的身体或圆圆的眼睛，更重要的是宠物带给主人的情感连接和它们独特的个性。一只会撒娇的猫，或者一只热情地迎接主人回家的狗，它们表现出的忠诚和依赖，都会让主人觉得它们无比可爱。因此，'可爱' 在这里不仅仅是视觉上的判断，更是一种深层情感的投射。
文章指出，宠物主人用“可爱”形容宠物，除了外形特征，更重要的是什么？
文章中明确提到“更重要的是宠物带给主人的情感连接和它们独特的个性”。
文章中明确提到“更重要的是宠物带给主人的情感连接和它们独特的个性”。
根据文章，现代社会中“可爱文化”的兴起，反映了人们怎样的向往？
Read this passage:
在现代社会中，'可爱' 已经成为了一种流行的文化现象，尤其在亚洲，我们经常可以看到“可爱文化”的兴起。从卡通形象、时尚服饰到日常生活用品，许多设计都融入了可爱的元素，以吸引消费者。这种对可爱元素的追求，反映了人们在快节奏生活中对轻松、愉悦和治愈系事物的向往。这种“可爱”不再仅仅是一个形容词，它更是一种生活态度和审美取向。
根据文章，现代社会中“可爱文化”的兴起，反映了人们怎样的向往？
文章中明确指出“反映了人们在快节奏生活中对轻松、愉悦和治愈系事物的向往”。
文章中明确指出“反映了人们在快节奏生活中对轻松、愉悦和治愈系事物的向往”。
The correct order is 'Her smile is very cute.'
The correct order is 'That child looks truly cute.'
The correct order is 'The fluffy bear is a cute toy.'
/ 90 correct
Perfect score!
例文
这个小猫真可爱。
関連コンテンツ
generalの関連語
一下儿
A1a bit, a moment
点儿
A1a little bit
有点儿
A1a little, somewhat (negative connotation)
一下
A2A bit; a moment (used after a verb).
一点儿
A1a little, a bit
一会儿
A1a moment, a while
一部分
B1part; portion; minority
异样
B1different; unusual; strange
关于
A1about, concerning
快要
A2to be about to (happen)
