What Does it Mean When a Chinese Woman Calls You Dear?

One of the first things you’ll notice about Chinese culture is how many women will address you with a term that translates to “dear.” This can be a bit alarming at first, especially when it happens in a romantic relationship.

However, there’s nothing to worry about! In fact, it’s quite normal for a woman to call her boyfriend or husband dear.

1. It means she likes you

If a Chinese woman calls you dear, it means that she likes you. She may even consider you her best friend. However, it is important to note that this doesn’t necessarily mean that she wants to date you or even thinks that you are attractive. There are many levels of friendship, from casual acquaintance to Best Friends Forever (or BFF).

In China, it’s not uncommon for a woman to call you dear when they start chatting with you. Some people are surprised when they arrive in China and see numerous girls calling them handsome, but this is not a huge compliment like it is in English-speaking countries. It simply means that they have made a good impression and feel comfortable talking to you.

It is common in Chinese culture to use terms of endearment when addressing friends, especially in the case of couples. For example, a husband might address his wife as Mei mei or little wife, while some older couples will even add the word Bao Bei (bei bei) at the end of their name to further express their love and devotion for each other.

These terms of endearment are also used by Chinese speakers when referring to their close family members. In the same way that many Westerners might call their fathers Pops or their kids babe, it is not unusual for Chinese girls to call their boyfriends Ge Ge gege or younger brothers Mei Mei meimei.

This is not only a cute nickname but it also signifies that the girl cares deeply for her boyfriend or even her brother, and that she considers them to be part of her family. Similarly, girls often call their male classmates or fellow students Qin Qin (qin qin) as a way of showing that they respect them.

Using these terms of endearment in China is also a great way to show that you are a gentleman and that you are taking a girl or guy seriously. However, it is not a good idea to pepper your conversations with Chinese women with “dear” as this can come off as creepy and imply that you are trying to force the relationship into a romantic one.

2. It means she wants to be your friend

While English speakers might use pet names such as “baby,” or “dear,” in casual conversations, Chinese people often go for a more formal route with their terms of endearment. Whether used between close friends, a romantic partner or a member of the family, Chinese terms of endearment convey a sense of affection and adoration.

Some of the most common Chinese terms of endearment are Xiao (, pronounced shu) and Bei Bi (, pronounced bee bi). Xiao is a nickname that means “baby.” This adorable expression is usually reserved for children and actual babies. However, some older couples may use Xiao as a way to show their affection for one another.

Another cute term of endearment is Niu Niu (, pronounced nee-yoh). This is also a baby name and can be used for any young female member of the family. It emphasizes the girl’s innocence and her tiny size. It is very similar to how many American girls are addressed by their fathers with the term babe.

Xin Gan (, pronounced shin-gan) is another cute Chinese term of endearment that implies a deep level of affection. It literally translates to heart and liver, and it is often reserved for your significant other. Parents may even combine Xin Gan with Bao Bei to address their kids.

Ge Ge (, pronounced geh-gay) is another popular form of endearment among Chinese friends and family members. It can have a literal meaning, but it is more commonly used in the figurative sense to indicate that you love your friend or relative as much as your own heart and liver. It is also a common way to address a boyfriend or husband in China.

There are many other cute Chinese nicknames for friends and family that convey a sense of affection and adoration. Learning these terms is a great way to practice your new Chinese vocabulary and improve your social skills. Try using a language learning program that combines native Chinese videos with powerful tools like HiNative to learn and practice these words in real-world scenarios. With practice, you will be able to use these beautiful and unique Chinese terms of endearment with confidence.

3. It means she wants to be your girlfriend

There are several Chinese nicknames that convey love and adoration in a romantic sense. While some of them might feel strange to hear from an English speaker, a Chinese girl will usually not be offended if you call her “baby” or “sweetie.”

When she calls you dear, it means that she wants to be your girlfriend. In addition to this, she will try to take care of you. She might send you flowers or bring you gifts to show that she cares about you. She will also make sure to spend time with you whenever she can. She may even suggest unconventional dates, such as a romantic breakfast or lunch, to ensure that you can spend more time together.

Another sign that she wants to be your girlfriend is when she asks you about your family and friends. This shows that she cares about you and considers you part of her family. Typically, she will only do this when she wants to be your girlfriend.

If she calls you dear, it’s probably a good idea to ask her out. She might be a bit nervous, but she will be happy to accept your proposal. In addition, asking her out will help ease any tension you might have about the relationship.

In China, it’s not uncommon for girls to refer to their boyfriends as their Ge Ge gege or older brother. This is a common way for them to insinuate that they are as close as family. In contrast, it might feel a bit awkward for an American woman to call her boyfriend or husband her Ge Ge gege or younger brother.

In Western culture, calling someone handsome is often a big compliment. However, in China, it’s more of a casual term that is used to describe a person’s physical features. In fact, if a Chinese girl calls you handsome, it’s likely that she is expressing her affection for you.

4. It means she wants to be your wife

If your Chinese girlfriend calls you dear and wants to be your wife, it is a clear sign that she is serious about the relationship. She is thinking about your future together and how you would be as a couple, including having children. She may also be considering moving in with you, or even buying a house together. This is a big step in any relationship, and shows that she is devoted to you.

Similarly, if she calls you Bao Bei (), it means that she considers you her precious treasure or jewel. This is a cute and affectionate way to show your love, and it is often used in romantic situations. It can also be used to address close friends or family members. For example, kids often call their fathers Ba Ba or Ma Ma, referring to the close bond they have with their dads.

Another way that a girl might show her love for you is by calling you Mei Mei (). This is another endearing term that signifies the close bond between you two. It is very similar to the English phrase “little me,” and it is used by couples in all stages of a relationship.

She might also call you Ge Ge or Gege Gege (). This is a very flattering nickname that means “older brother.” In Chinese culture, it is normal for girls to refer to their boyfriends this way. This is because it implies that they are as close as family, which is very important in Chinese culture.

A girl might also call you Lao Ban (). This is a very respectful and flattering nickname that means “boss.” It is usually used to address people who are in positions of power or authority.

Lastly, she might call you Qin Qin (). This is a cute and affectionate nickname that means “dear one.” It is a great way to show your love for her and it is very romantic.