What is the difference between 兒 and 儿?

兒 is the traditional form, while 儿 is the simplified form used in mainland China. Both mean 'child' or 'son'.

How is 兒 used as a suffix?

In Northern dialects, especially Beijing dialect, 兒 is added to nouns as a diminutive suffix (儿化音), though it's usually written as 儿 in simplified Chinese.

Is 兒 commonly used in names?

Yes, 兒 appears in both given names and surnames, though the simplified form 儿 is more common in modern mainland Chinese names.

兒Tone 2

ér ｜ 8 strokes ｜ radical: 儿

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兒 · ér

Child, son, offspring;

also used as a suffix in certain words.

Child, son, offspringalso used as a suffix in certain words.

Usage highlights

ChildSonBabyChildhoodNurseryPediatrics

Synonyms

子— child, son
孩— child
童— child

Antonyms

父— father
母— mother

Usage & contexts

Examples

The child is playing (孩子在玩).
This is my son (这是我的儿子).
The baby is sleeping (婴儿在睡觉).
Children's Day(儿童节)

Collocations

Child(儿童)
Son(儿子)
Baby(婴儿)
Childhood(童年)
Nursery(幼儿园)
Pediatrics(儿科)

Idioms

To spoil the child by excessive indulgence(溺爱儿女)
To bring honor to one's ancestors(光宗耀祖儿)
Children and grandchildren(儿孙满堂)

Cultural background

FAQ

Traditionally represents offspring and continuity of the family line.
Used as a diminutive suffix in Northern Chinese dialects, especially in Beijing dialect.
In traditional Chinese culture, having sons was particularly valued for carrying on the family name.

兒 (ér) - Child, son, offspring & also used as a suffix in certain words.