Sajiao 撒嬌 (撒娇)

sājiāo · from Chinese

What does 撒嬌 (sajiao) mean?

撒嬌 (sājiāo) is acting cute, pouty or childlike to get affection or a favour, especially from a partner or parent.

It involves a high-pitched voice, drawn-out particles and baby talk. It is widely seen in Taiwan and mainland China and has close cousins in Korean aegyo and Japanese burikko. Opinions differ on whether it is charming or embarrassing.

Examples

人家不要啦 rénjiā bú yào la (I don't wanna, cutesy); 好不好嘛 hǎo bù hǎo ma (pretty please?); 撒嬌女人最好命 sājiāo nǚrén zuì hǎo mìng (film: Women Who Flirt)

Kungfucius says: Sājiāo: the art of turning a request into a pout. Works better than logic in most Taiwanese households.