How to say “son” in Chinese

儿子

Son

Character composition

son; suffix -r

child; noun suffix

Radicals / Keys

Child

#39 · · 3 strokes

Son, legs

#10 · ér · 2 strokes

Examples

他有一个儿子

He has a son.

这是我的儿子

This is my son.

Mnemonic

Mnemonic for 儿子 (érzi) — son

[érzi-] Erzy the Elf journeys into a magical forest where she discovers a mystical child sitting on a cloud shaped like 儿子. This cloud appears like a child 子 cradling a tiny son 儿 with twinkling eyes. 🌳👦

Frequently asked questions

How do you say son in Mandarin Chinese?

The standard word is 儿子 (érzi).

What is the difference between 儿子 and 孩子?

儿子 specifically means “son.” 孩子 (háizi) is gender-neutral and means “child” or “kid.”

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