originally 'such a child'; later used to praise a child
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 2 examplesnoun
such a child; later, a term praising a child
literaryA classical Chinese term. Originally used demonstratively (like 'such a...'), its meaning shifted over time to become an idiomatic expression of praise, especially for a promising or outstanding child.
Zhè这
hái孩
zi子
cōng聪
míng明
líng伶
lì俐
，
zhēn真
shì是
gè个
níng宁
xīn馨
ér儿
。
This child is clever and quick-witted; he's truly a wonderful child.
Zài在
gǔ古
diǎn典
wén文
xiàn献
zhōng中
，
“
níng宁
xīn馨
ér儿
”
yī一
cí词
cháng常
yòng用
lái来
chēng称
zàn赞
yǒu有
chū出
xì息
de的
hái孩
zi子
。
In classical literature, the term 'níng xīn ér' was often used to praise promising children.