认生 (rèn shēng) — to be shy or wary of strangers (typically of babies, young children, or pets)

Definition

Used for babies, young children, or pets who are shy or wary around strangers. It is not a general word for 'shy' — it specifically describes this reaction to unfamiliar people.

adjective
to be shy or wary of strangers (typically of babies, young children, or pets)

Examples

  • 认生
    Zhè ge hái zi hěn rèn shēng, yí jiàn dào mò shēng rén jiù kū.
    This child is very shy with strangers; he cries as soon as he sees someone unfamiliar.
  • 认生
    Wǒ jiā de xiǎo gǒu bú rèn shēng, shuí bào dōu kě yǐ.
    My puppy isn't wary of strangers — anyone can hold him.
  • 认生
    Bǎo bao liù gè yuè de shí hou kāi shǐ rèn shēng le.
    The baby started being shy with strangers at six months old.

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