A2 adjective Neutral 1 min read

乖巧

guai1qiao3 /ˈɡwaɪ ˈtʃjɔ/

Describes someone or something as well-behaved, obedient, and pleasing.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Well-behaved and obedient, especially children.
  • Describes things that are small and neat.
  • A positive term for good conduct.

Overview

“乖巧”是一个常用的中文形容词,主要用来描述人的性格和行为,特别是小孩子。它包含了听话、懂事、不惹麻烦、举止得体等含义。当形容物品时,“乖巧”则指小巧玲珑、精致美观,符合使用者的期望或需求。

“乖巧”通常用作谓语、定语或补语。作为谓语时,可以直接用在主语后面,如“这个孩子很乖巧”。作为定语时,常放在名词前面,如“一个乖巧的宝宝”。作为补语,可以用来描述行为的结果,如“他做得乖巧”。

这个词最常用于描述儿童。家长或老师会用“乖巧”来表扬听话、懂事的孩子。此外,在描述一些小型、精致的物品时,如小工艺品、小家电等,也可以使用“乖巧”来形容它们的外观或特性,使其更受欢迎。

“乖巧”与“听话”意思相近,但“乖巧”更侧重于行为上的懂事和合乎规矩,而“听话”则更直接地指遵从指令。与“懂事”相比,“乖巧”包含了更多的行为表现,而“懂事”更偏向于心智的成熟和理解能力。与“乖顺”相比,“乖巧”带有更多的赞赏意味,而“乖顺”可能略显被动。

Examples

1

这个孩子特别乖巧,从来不哭闹。

everyday

This child is particularly well-behaved and never cries.

2

她送给朋友一个乖巧的小摆件作为礼物。

informal

She gave her friend a small, cute ornament as a gift.

3

老师表扬小明是个乖巧懂事的学生。

everyday

The teacher praised Xiao Ming for being an obedient and sensible student.

4

这款手机设计得十分乖巧,方便携带。

informal

This phone is designed to be very compact and convenient to carry.

Common Collocations

乖巧的孩子 Obedient child
乖巧懂事 Obedient and sensible
小巧乖巧 Small and cute/neat

Common Phrases

乖乖听话

Be good and obey

乖巧可爱

Cute and well-behaved

乖巧伶俐

Clever and obedient

Often Confused With

乖巧 vs 听话

'听话' (tīng huà) directly means 'obedient' or 'listens to instructions'. '乖巧' (guāi qiǎo) includes obedience but also implies being well-behaved, sensible, and pleasing in demeanor.

乖巧 vs 懂事

'懂事' (dǒng shì) means 'sensible' or 'mature for one's age'. '乖巧' often implies '懂事' but focuses more on the outward behavior and obedience.

Grammar Patterns

Subject + 很/非常 + 乖巧 (e.g., 孩子很乖巧) 乖巧 + 的 + Noun (e.g., 乖巧的宝宝) Adverb + 乖巧 (e.g., 表现乖巧)

How to Use It

Usage Notes

Primarily used for children to describe their good behavior and obedience. Can also describe small, attractive objects. The term carries a positive connotation, implying that the subject is not troublesome and is pleasing to observe or interact with.


Common Mistakes

Using '乖巧' to describe adults might sound slightly condescending, implying a lack of independence. Ensure the context is appropriate when applying it to non-children.

Tips

💡

Praise Good Behavior

Use '乖巧' to positively reinforce children's obedience and good manners.

⚠️

Avoid Overuse for Adults

While possible, calling adults '乖巧' might imply they lack initiative or independence.

🌍

Cultural Value of Obedience

In Chinese culture, obedience and respect for elders are highly valued, making '乖巧' a desirable trait in children.

Word Origin

The character '乖' originally depicted a child or offspring. '巧' means skillful or clever. Together, '乖巧' suggests a child who is skillfully obedient and well-behaved.

Cultural Context

The concept of '乖巧' aligns with traditional East Asian values that emphasize respect for elders, obedience, and harmonious social interactions, especially within the family structure.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'guai' (乖) child who is also 'qiao' (巧), meaning clever or skillful in their good behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

“乖巧”主要用来形容小孩子听话、懂事、行为举止得体。有时也用来形容小巧、精致的物品。

“乖巧”比“听话”的含义更丰富,它不仅指听从指令,还包括懂事、行为合乎规矩,让人感到省心。而“听话”更侧重于直接的服从性。

在日常生活中,尤其是在谈论孩子时,家长或长辈常用“乖巧”来表扬孩子。也可以在描述小巧精致的物品时使用。

虽然“乖巧”主要用于孩子,但在某些语境下,如果成年人的行为非常得体、顺从,并且不惹麻烦,也可以被形容为“乖巧”,但这可能带有一点点被动或缺乏个性的意味。

Test Yourself

fill blank

这个小女孩非常______,从不给父母添麻烦。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 乖巧

“乖巧”在这里最能体现孩子听话、懂事、不惹麻烦的特点。

multiple choice

“乖巧”这个词最贴切的含义是什么?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 听话、懂事、举止得体

“乖巧”的核心含义是行为上的听话和懂事,以及合乎规矩。

sentence building

用“宝宝”和“乖巧”造句。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 一个乖巧的宝宝。

“乖巧”作为形容词,可以用来修饰名词“宝宝”,构成“乖巧的宝宝”或“一个乖巧的宝宝”。

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