30+ Chinese Nicknames: A Guide to Popular Choices and Cultural Significance

In Chinese culture, nicknames are often more casual, fun, and personal than formal names. When you’re learning Mandarin Chinese or visiting China, you’ll find that it’s common to call people by nicknames, including some of the most popular Chinese nicknames. They’re a way to express affection, build closer relationships, and even highlight someone’s unique characteristics. Whether between family members, close friends, or lovers, most common Chinese nicknames often contain warmth and charm beyond their literal meaning.

However, many Chinese nicknames may sound unfamiliar or even seem strange. So let’s learn how to get a nickname by exploring the cultural significance of Chinese nicknames, the Chinese nickname for boyfriend or girlfriend, and practical ways to create personalized nicknames so you can give your Chinese friend or loved one a cute and funny Chinese nickname of their own.

What are Chinese Nicknames?

Chinese nicknames, which translate to “昵称” (nì chēng) and are also called “绰号” (chuò hào) and “小名” (xiǎo míng), are informal names used to express affection, intimacy, or personality traits. Nicknames are often more casual, often used in daily conversations, and reflect the relationship between the users.

For example, a mother might give her child a cute Chinese nickname “小胖” (xiǎo pàng). The word literally means in Chinese language that someone is a little overweight (the exact meaning is determined by different tones of voice), but mothers give this nickname to their children because they want them to be healthy and cute. And friends may give each other funny nicknames based on shared memories or jokes they both know.

Where and how are Chinese nicknames used?

Chinese nicknames are commonly used in a variety of social situations, and their meaning and tone may vary depending on the relationship:

• Family relationships: Parents often use nicknames to express their love and concern for their children. For example, a baby may be affectionately called “宝宝” (bǎo bǎo, meaning “baby”) or “乖乖” (guāi guāi, meaning “good boy”).
• Friendship: Nicknames are used between friends to express closeness or to make fun of each other (in good faith). For example, someone named “王强” (Wáng Qiáng) may be jokingly called “强哥” (Qiáng gē, meaning “older brother”) to emphasize the feeling of closeness and respect.
• Couples: Couples are often known for romantic and sweet nicknames. Common examples include “亲爱的” (qīn ài de, meaning “darling”) or personalized names such as “小猪” (xiǎo zhū, meaning “little piggy”) to show affection and intimacy. A Chinese girl might use familial terms like 哥哥 (gēgē) to refer to her boyfriend, reflecting a deep cultural significance in building personal connections.
• Work or Social Relationships: In some cases, nicknames may appear in professional or social circles as a way to easily identify someone. For example, a boss may be nicknamed “老大” (lǎo dà, meaning “boss”) by his team members. It’s a way to show that the team has a relaxed relationship.

Not only do well-intentioned nicknames strengthen connections, but they also add a layer of fun and intimacy to relationships and are an important part of everyday Chinese people’s communication.

Cultural Significance of Chinese Nicknames

In Chinese culture, nicknames are a way of expressing closeness and affection. Chinese nicknames are more than just throwaway names; they are deeply rooted in Chinese culture and play an important role in fostering emotional connections.

They reflect the importance of interpersonal relationships in Chinese society and often have meanings that go beyond the literal translation.

• Cultural Tradition: In many Chinese families, children are given nicknames by their parents or grandparents. These names are often used within the family to symbolize love and care.
• Strengthen relationships: Using a nickname shows that you have a personal connection with someone. It creates a sense of intimacy that cannot be achieved with a formal name.
• Practical use: Nicknames are usually shorter and easier to say, making them more suitable for casual conversation.
  

  Nicknames reflect the importance of relationships and community in Chinese society, where personal relationships are highly valued.

Funny Chinese Nicknames

Many funny Chinese words make great nicknames, and some of these popular Chinese nicknames refer to your most prominent features and compare them to things that are well-known. They may exaggerate certain features for comedic effect.

While some of these popular nicknames may seem mean or harsh, it’s important to realize that, unlike in Western culture, they are well-intentioned in a cultural context. Here are some examples:

• 阿呆 (ā dāi): Translated as “silly” or “dummy”. This nickname is often used to describe someone clumsy or forgetful. It is a harmless way to tease your friends or partner.
• 吃货 (chī huò): Meaning “foodie”, this nickname is perfect for someone who likes to eat or is always thinking about their next meal.
• 大头 (dà tóu): Meaning “big head”, this nickname is a humorous way of describing someone with a slightly larger head or a “big-head” (overconfident).
• 肉肉 (ròu ròu): Meaning “chubby” or “meaty,” this nickname is often used affectionately for someone with a soft or pudgy appearance.
• 土豆 (tǔ dòu): This nickname is quirky and means “potato”. It’s a humorous nickname, usually for a pet, but can also refer to a short-looking person, like a potato in the soil.

Cool Chinese Nicknames

Using hip or trendy Chinese words to describe the people in your life is a great way to look cool and show off your Chinese. It also makes you stand out as a star Mandarin student and makes it seem like Chinese is your native language.

• 风行者 (fēng xíng zhě): “Windwalker” – a fashionable nickname for a fast, agile, and unpredictable player.
• 老板 (lǎobǎn): 老板 (lǎobǎn) means “boss”. Many Chinese will use this term to refer to their de facto boss and other people they respect. Since using someone’s full first or last name is too intimate for customer and business relationships, customers will often address the store owner as the boss. Friends also sometimes call each other “老板”, often when one friend has invited the other to dinner or has given them something when it is meant in good faith.
• 帅哥 (shuàigē): 帅哥 (shuàigē) is a positive and common Chinese nickname that means “handsome guy”. This nickname is often used when you don’t know the name of a male or when it is inappropriate to ask. For example, in restaurants, waiters are often referred to as “帅哥” instead of their names.
• 星仔 (xīng zǎi): 星仔 means “star boy”, a fashionable nickname that conveys charisma and uniqueness and is often used for people with outstanding personalities.

Cute Chinese Nicknames

Cute nicknames are meant to express love and tenderness, and they are especially common in romantic relationships and between close friends. Whether it’s a nickname for a loved one or a pet, these cute Chinese nicknames can make people smile and bring them closer together.

Here are some popular nicknames:

• 小猪 (xiǎo zhū): “Little piggy” is a playful nickname for someone who loves to eat and sleep. It is a term of endearment in many romantic relationships.
• 宝宝 (bǎo bǎo): Like “baby” in English, this Chinese nickname is full of love and tenderness. It is one of the most common Chinese nicknames and is commonly used both by parents for their children and between couples.
• 乖乖 (guāi guāi): “good boy”, often used for well-behaved, cute children or even close friends.
• 小猫 (xiǎo māo): “kitten”, a nickname for someone cute, quiet, or loves cats.
• 天使 (tiān shǐ): This word means “angel” and usually refers to someone who is kind-hearted and sweet by nature.
• 亲亲 (qīn qīn): This word is a sweet nickname that translates to “kissing” and is often used between lovers. It denotes intimacy and closeness.

Chinese Nicknames for Boyfriend

Addressing your boyfriend with special nicknames can deepen your relationship and express your love. Chinese nicknames range from romantic to playful, and each one holds a unique emotion. Interestingly, the literal meanings of these nicknames often have deeper or different meanings in a romantic relationship.

• 大笨蛋 (dà bèn dàn): meaning “big dummy” (teasing but full of love). For example, you can say to your boyfriend, “你这个大笨蛋,总是忘记带钥匙!” (nǐ zhè gè dà bèn dàn, zǒng shì wàng jì dài yào shi) – “You big dummy, always forgetting your keys!”. Used in a joking and affectionate way to indicate playfulness in an intimate relationship.
• 熊熊 (xióng xióng): This nickname means “little bear”. For example, “熊熊，抱抱我吧，我好冷啊” (xióng xióng , bào bào wǒ ba , wǒ hǎo lěng a) – “Xiong Xiong, give me a hug, I’m so cold!” . This nickname applies to boyfriends who are strong, warm, and cuddly like bears.
• 哥哥 (gēgē): In many Western cultures, calling the guy you’re dating “elder brother” or “younger brother” can feel a little uncomfortable. It sounds a bit like calling your older family member. But in China, it’s normal for girls to call their boyfriends who are older than them this way. It’s a typical nickname between couples.
• 老公 (lǎo gōng): In mainland China, unmarried women sometimes refer to their boyfriends as “老公” – “husband”. Although they don’t do it right off the bat, after dating for a while and getting along with each other, you may start hearing your girlfriend call your boyfriend “husband” even before he proposes to her.

Chinese nicknames for Girlfriend

When it comes to Chinese nicknames for girlfriends, you’ll find some that are very sweet, some that are affectionate, and some that are humorous. Many Chinese nicknames for girlfriends highlight their most cherished qualities, creating a unique and intimate language for couples.

The way Chinese nicknames are variations of traditional Chinese names is also common.

• 妹妹(mèimei): Just as girls call their boyfriends “哥哥” (gēgē), Chinese boys call their girlfriends “妹妹” (mèimei) – ” younger sister”.
• 小公举 (xiǎo gōng jǔ): This nickname is the Chinese word for “little princess” with a petulant and cute tone. While there are many cute Chinese nicknames for girls, this nickname conveys a sense of preciousness. Sometimes it can be used in a silly way, like when your girlfriend asks you for a favor and you say, “好的，我的小公举!” (hǎo de , wǒ de xiǎo gōng jǔ!) – “Yes, my little princess!” .
• 老婆 (lǎo pó): It is also common for men to refer to their girlfriends as “老婆”. Like “老公”, common couples who are not yet married use this term, which has a meaning similar to the English pet name “wifey”.
• 小仙女 (xiǎo xiān nǚ): This nickname means “little fairy”. It can be used to describe your girlfriend as elegant and beautiful.
  

  For example, you can say to your girlfriend, “小仙女，你真像从童话里走出来的!” (xiǎo xiān nǚ, nǐ zhēn xiàng cóng tóng huà lǐ zǒu chū lái de!) – “Little fairy, you look like you came out of a fairy tale!”

Chinese Nicknames for Kids

A child’s nickname is called “小名” (xiǎo míng) or “乳名” (rǔ míng). All the nicknames that Chinese people give to their children contain good wishes. Nowadays, many young Chinese parents like to give their children nicknames related to fruits, snacks or drinks because they find these kinds of nicknames cute. The use of repetitive characters (called “叠词” (dié cí) in Mandarin Chinese), and nicknames beginning with “阿” (ā) or with “小” (xiǎo) are also popular in China.

• 糯米 (nuòmǐ): Chinese families sometimes call their children 糯米, which means “sticky rice”. This denotes good wishes for the child, as in traditional Chinese culture, glutinous rice is used to denote happiness, health, prosperity, and good fortune.
• 小不点 (xiǎo bú diǎn): This nickname means “little one” and is a term of endearment for the youngest member of the family, emphasizing their young age and tiny size.
• 小宝 (xiǎo bǎo): Meaning “baby”, this nickname is often used by parents to refer to their youngest child to express how precious they are.
• 虎子 (hǔ zi): This word means “tiger” and is often used by parents to refer to their sons. It represents strength, bravery, and the hope that the child will grow up healthy and fearless and strong.
• 崽崽 (zǎi zǎi): This word means “baby” and is another way of referring to a child as a baby. It is an adorable nickname that represents the deep affection parents have for their children.

Chinese Nicknames for Friends

Friends play an important role in Chinese culture, and the various nicknames in the language reflect this importance. Chinese people often refer to their friends by nicknames, each of which has a specific meaning. Some nicknames represent shared memories, while others highlight the strength and longevity of a friendship.

• 老铁 (lǎo tiě): This nickname means “bro” or “close friends”. It is a term of endearment used to refer to a close friend and to symbolize a strong and lasting friendship. This word expresses the idea that friendship is like iron, strong, reliable, and lasting.
  

  老铁 is the dialect of northeastern China, but today it is also used in other parts of mainland China.

• 阿 (ā): Combining the character 阿 with someone’s name is one way to address a friend in Chinese. For example, if your friend’s name is “李明” (Lǐ Míng), some of his friends might call him “阿明” (ā ming). It doesn’t have any special meaning, it’s just a nickname to show closeness, so family or friends often use it, especially if someone has a short name.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it common for Chinese people to call their friends nicknames in public?

Yes, it is very common for Chinese people to give nicknames to their friends in public. This is especially true among the younger generation, as it helps build a sense of camaraderie and intimacy. However, this may depend on how close the friendship is.

2. What is the origin of Chinese nicknames?

Chinese nicknames have existed since ancient China and are deeply rooted in the language and culture. They usually reflect Chinese culture such as social norms and interpersonal relationships.

Conclusion

Chinese nicknames are a fascinating reflection of the creativity and cultural richness of the Chinese language. If you’ve been inspired by this guide, start experimenting today! You will find that using Chinese nicknames adds a personal touch and fun to your conversations with others.

If you are also interested in other Chinese cultures or the Chinese language, you can also join the WuKong Chinese course and learn Chinese together!