Comparle

sajiao

Language: Mandarin · [sa˥ tɕjaʊ˥] · Pronunciation: sah-JYOW

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Meaning

acting sweet, coy or petulant to get attention or your way

The story

Sa is to let loose and jiao is delicate or pampered: a child pulling at a parent's arm for sweets, or an adult putting on the same voice for a partner. Among couples it is often read as affection rather than weakness. English has wheedling, which sounds far less charming.

The four rounds

Which language is it from?
Mandarin
Who does it?
A child tugging a sleeve for sweets
Where would you hear it?
A couple, one voice gone baby-soft
What does it mean?
Acting cute to get your way

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