Definitions

zǎi (noun) child; young animal

Etymology

About

The character 崽, formed from the components 山 and 思, historically emerged as a dialectal term for a child or descendant, with its structure likely indicating a phonetic association rather than a direct semantic link between the parts and the meaning. Etymologically, it is connected to concepts of progeny, and over time its application expanded to include the young of animals while maintaining its reference to human offspring in colloquial contexts. The graphical form of 崽 has remained consistent without substantial alteration, preserving its traditional composition as a single unit that continues to convey notions of youth and familiarity in language use.

Example Sentences Hide

这个子很听话。

Zhège zǎizi hěn tīnghuà.

This kid is very obedient.

那只猫在睡觉。

Nà zhī māo zǎi zài shuìjiào.

That kitten is sleeping.

我们家的狗长大了。

Wǒmen jiā de gǒu zǎi zhǎng dàle.

The puppy in our home has grown up.

那个喜欢玩球。

Nàge zǎi zǎi xǐhuān wán qiú.

That child likes to play with balls.

她生了一个胖

Tā shēngle yīgè pàng zǎi zǎi.

She gave birth to a chubby baby.

这些猪需要好好照顾。

Zhèxiē zhū zǎi xūyào hǎohǎo zhàogù.

These piglets need to be taken good care of.

乡下奶奶养了一窝鸡

Xiāngxià nǎinai yǎngle yī wō jī zǎi.

Grandma in the countryside raised a brood of chicks.

尽管那个调皮,但大家都很喜欢他。

Jǐnguǎn nàge zǎi zǎi tiáopí, dàn dàjiā dōu hěn xǐhuān tā.

Even though that child is naughty, everyone likes him.