7 Flirty Chinese Phrases
The following article is from StudyCLI Author The CLI Team
Ready to learn how to flirt in Chinese? Whether you’re searching for the perfect words to make the right first impression or are hoping to dazzle your significant other in their native tongue, it is wise to have a few flirtatious expressions up your sleeve when dating in China.
1. 这个周末我请你吃饭吧。
Zhège zhōumò wǒ qǐng nǐ chīfàn ba.
I’d like to take you out to eat this weekend.
This is one of the first phrases that most Chinese language students learn, and rightfully so! Mealtimes are traditionally at the center of Chinese social life, so asking someone out to a meal (and picking up the bill) is the ultimate way to show that you’re interested in getting to know them better.
Keep in mind that in China, it’s also common for people to treat their friends and colleagues to meals, so if someone asks you out to eat, they’re not necessarily hitting on you (although it’s definitely a possibility).
2. 嗨，我的男神 / 女神。
Hāi, wǒ de nánshén / nǚshén.
Hi, my god/goddess.
女神 (nǚshén; goddess) and 男神 (nánshén; god) are popular terms of endearment among young Chinese. You’ll often hear these expressions being used to talk about celebrities or anyone who is just so darn attractive and wealthy that they’re almost godly.
In the mortal world, 女神 and 男神 are simply used to address anyone that the speaker finds romantically desirable. Try out this divine greeting when answering your lover’s phone call or meeting up with someone that you’ve been courting for a while.
3. 你笑起来真美。
Nǐ xiào qǐlái zhēn měi.
You look beautiful when you smile.
Offering sincere compliments is a good way to spice up your Mandarin with romantic flavor. In Chinese culture, praising someone’s smile (笑容 xiàoróng) is perceived as kindhearted and perfectly coquettish in the right context.
Try out this phrase when you want to come across as respectful — that is, not too direct that you’d scare off a potential partner — while also letting that 美女 (měinǚ; pretty girl) or 帅哥 (shuàigē; handsome guy) know you’re interested in more than just friendship.
4. 你这个小傻瓜。
Nǐ zhège xiǎo shǎguā.
You little fool.
This phrase exemplifies the style of playful, mocking flirtation that is common among many modern Chinese couples. While it could be perceived as rude in English, teasing remarks like this in Chinese actually demonstrate the speaker’s desire to protect and dote upon their lover.
Try using this expression if you and your native Chinese-speaking counterpart have a mild misunderstanding or if they commit a harmless faux pas — they’ll quickly understand that you find them irresistibly cute.
5. 亲爱的
Qīn'ài de
Dear; darling
After you and your 情人 (qíngrén; sweetheart) have clearly moved past the friend zone, try throwing in a 亲爱的 as a term of endearment to make your words sound all the more loving and affectionate. For example, 亲爱的, 你今天能送我去上班吗? (Qīn'ài de, nǐ jīntiān néng sòng wǒ qù shàngbān ma; Dear, can you take me to work today?).
Note that 亲爱的 is sometimes used platonically among female friends. When used to address someone of the opposite gender, however, it usually sounds flirtatious.
6. 你的眼睛里有星星。
Nǐ de yǎnjīng lǐ yǒu xīngxīng.
There are stars in your eyes; your eyes are twinkling.
Are you absolutely smitten with that special someone you’ve been seeing? If so, this poetically flattering phrase is an effective way to express your feelings. More advanced speakers can kick it up a notch with this slightly longer version of the compliment: 你的眼里只有小星星，而我的眼里只有你 (Nǐ de yǎn lǐ zhǐ yǒu xiǎo xīngxīng, ér wǒ de yǎn lǐ zhǐ yǒu nǐ) which literally translates to “The only thing in your eyes are stars, but the only thing in my eyes is you.”
7. 我想你了。
Wǒ xiǎng nǐ le.
I miss you.
Uncomplicated yet eloquent, this romantic quip will sound like tender music to the ears of your Chinese boyfriend or girlfriend.
Ready to turn up your charm? Take the quiz below to make sure you’ve mastered these seven flirtatious phrases, then scroll down to check your answers.
Answer Key:
1. 你这个小傻瓜 ＝You little fool
2. 嗨，我的女神 ＝ Hello, my goddess
3. 亲爱的 = Darling
4. 你笑起来真美 = You look beautiful when you smile
5. 你的眼里有星星 ＝ Your eyes are twinkling
6. 我想你了 = I miss you
7. 我请你吃饭吧 = I'd like to take you out to eat
Remember, there’s no better way to show appreciation for someone than by making an effort to communicate with them in their native tongue. Speaking Mandarin is the ultimate way to strengthen your relationships in China.
If you’re ready to take a deeper dive, consider leveling up your language skills by studying with the Chinese Language Institute either online or in Guilin!
About CLI
The Chinese Language Institute (www.studycli.org) is a center for Chinese language and cultural studies based in the picturesque city of Guilin, founded in 2009 by American brothers Robert and Bradford Fried. Drawing on a combined 20 years of experience in China, they created an educational model that provides students a unique path to learning Chinese and understanding the PRC through a high degree of customization and complete immersion within a Chinese language environment. CLI delivers highly effective online lessons, an intensive Mandarin Immersion Program in Guilin and travel seminars for learners of all Chinese levels and backgrounds.
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