If you walk through a park in Taipei on a weekend, you won’t hear many people using actual names. Instead, the air is filled with a sugary haze of “Hubby,” “Baby,” and strangely enough, references to internal organs.
In Mandarin, 愛稱 (àichēng – terms of endearment) are the secret handshake of intimacy. They signal that you have moved past the polite “acquaintance zone” and into the inner circle. But be warned: using these incorrectly can range from slightly awkward to HR-violation levels of uncomfortable.
Whether you are trying to be sweet to a partner, affectionate to a child, or just want to understand why your Taiwanese friends keep calling each other “pigs,” this guide breaks down the language of love, Taiwan-style.
The Big Three: Romantic Standards
These are the heavy hitters. If you are dating someone in Taiwan, you will likely cycle through these stages.
1. 寶貝 (Bǎobèi) – The Universal “Baby”
Literally translating to “Treasure Shell” or “Precious Shell,” this is the gold standard for “Baby.” It is gender-neutral, sweet, and safe. You can use it for your boyfriend, girlfriend, or even your pet dog.
- Usage: 早安，寶貝。 (Zǎoān, bǎobèi.) – Good morning, baby.
2. 親愛的 (Qīn’ài de) – The “Dear” / “Darling”
This feels slightly more mature or literary than bǎobèi. You see it often in text messages or written notes. It can sometimes feel a little bit formal in spoken conversation, like something a husband says to his wife of 20 years, or ironically between best friends.
- Usage: 親愛的，幫我拿一下遙控器。 (Qīn’ài de, bāng wǒ ná yíxià yáokòngqì.) – Honey, grab the remote for me.
3. 老公 / 老婆 (Lǎogōng / Lǎopó) – Hubby / Wifey
Here is the cultural curveball. In English, calling a boyfriend “Hubby” usually happens after a ring is on the finger. In Taiwan, high schoolers dating for two weeks might call each other this. It signifies a “serious” commitment (or at least the feeling of one) and is heavily used by unmarried couples to show closeness.
- 老公 (Lǎogōng): Husband (informal)
- 老婆 (Lǎopó): Wife (informal)
The “Internal Organs” Level Of Intimacy
It sounds grotesque to English speakers, but in Chinese, comparing someone to a vital organ is the highest compliment. It means you cannot live without them.
心肝 (Xīngān) – Heart and Liver
If someone calls you their “Heart and Liver,” do not call a doctor. It means you are their “Sweetheart” or “Darling.” It is often combined with bǎobèi.
- 你是我的心肝寶貝。 (Nǐ shì wǒ de xīngān bǎobèi.) – You are my dearest darling (literally: my heart, liver, and treasure).
- Note: This is very commonly used by parents addressing their children, or by older couples.
The Flirty Insults: Love Is Mean
One of the most charming aspects of Chinese romance is the “mock insult.” Calling someone silly or clumsy evokes a protective feeling. It’s playful, not demeaning—tone is everything here.
1. 笨蛋 (Bèndàn) – Idiot / Dummy
Literally “Stupid Egg.” In an argument, it’s an insult. Said softly with a smile while poking someone’s nose? It’s incredibly flirtatious. It implies, “You are so silly, let me take care of you.”
- Usage: 你真的是大笨蛋耶。 (Nǐ zhēn de shì dà bèndàn ye.) – You really are a big dummy (said affectionately when they make a cute mistake).
2. 傻瓜 (Shǎguā) – Fool / Melon head
Similar to bèndàn but softer. It has a “guileless fool” vibe. It suggests innocence rather than stupidity.
- Usage: 小傻瓜，別擔心。 (Xiǎo shǎguā, bié dānxīn.) – You little fool, don’t worry.
3. 豬 (Zhū) – Pig
In the West, calling a partner a pig is grounds for a breakup. In Taiwan, it’s cute. It implies the person enjoys eating, sleeping, and being lazy—traits that are considered cozy in a relationship context.
- Usage: 起床了，小豬！ (Qǐchuáng le, xiǎozhū!) – Wake up, little piggy!
Taiwan Specials: The Phonetic Loans
Taiwanese Mandarin loves absorbing English words and twisting them into new characters. These are fun, casual, and very common among younger generations (and hip aunties).
- 哈尼 (Hāní): A direct transliteration of “Honey.”
- 北鼻 (Běibí): A direct transliteration of “Baby.” It sounds sassier than bǎobèi.
Swap-in Templates: Crafting Your Message
1. The Possessive Declaration
[Pronoun] + 是 (shì) + 我的 (wǒ de) + [Term of Endearment]
- 你是我的小蘋果。 (Nǐ shì wǒ de xiǎo píngguǒ.) – You are my little apple. (Yes, like the viral song).
- 他是我老公。 (Tā shì wǒ lǎogōng.) – He is my hubby.
2. The “Acting Cute” Request (Sājiāo)
[Term of Endearment] ~ + [Request] + 好不好? (hǎo bù hǎo?)
Note: Drag out the sound of the name for maximum effect.
- 老公～我們去吃火鍋好不好？ (Lǎogōng~ wǒmen qù chī huǒguō hǎo bù hǎo?) – Hubby~ let’s go eat hot pot, okay?
Mini-Dialogues
Dialogue 1: The “Silly” Flirt
- A: 哎唷，我又忘記帶錢包了。
Āiyō, wǒ yòu wàngjì dài qiánbāo le.
(Oh no, I forgot my wallet again.) - B: 你真的是個小笨蛋耶，沒關係，我付。
Nǐ zhēn de shì ge xiǎo bèndàn ye, méiguānxì, wǒ fù.
(You really are a little dummy. It’s okay, I’ll pay.)
Dialogue 2: The Parent & Child
- Parent: 心肝，今天在學校開心嗎？
Xīngān, jīntiān zài xuéxiào kāixīn ma?
(Sweetheart, were you happy at school today?) - Child: 開心！
Kāixīn!
(Happy!)
Quick Reference Table
| Chinese | Pinyin | Meaning | Best For |
| 寶貝 | bǎobèi | Baby / Treasure | Everyone (Partner, Kids, Pets) |
| 親愛的 | qīn’ài de | Dear | Partners, Close friends |
| 老公 / 老婆 | lǎogōng / lǎopó | Hubby / Wifey | Serious couples (married or dating) |
| 心肝 | xīngān | Heart & Liver | Children, Deeply loved partners |
| 笨蛋 | bèndàn | Dummy / Idiot | Flirting (Context is key!) |
| 北鼻 | běibí | Baby (Slang) | Casual texting, playful speech |
| 小豬 | xiǎozhū | Little Pig | Lazy/Cute partners |
Yak’s Final Thought
The most important rule of 愛稱 (àichēng) is reading the room. Don’t call your taxi driver “Dear” (qīn’ài de) unless you want a very confusing ride. Start with 寶貝 (bǎobèi)—it’s the Swiss Army Knife of affection. Once you’re comfortable, upgrade to the “internal organs” or “farm animals” to show you’ve really gone native!