儿童

értóng · HSK 4

child

儿童 — child

👶 儿童 = child (儿) + child (童) — a doubled-up word for kids

Both characters mean child on their own. Pairing them is a common Chinese pattern that makes the meaning unambiguous and a touch more formal — 儿童 is the word on signs for playgrounds, hospitals, and books.

More Chinese words · How Chinese works