不怕不怕
bú pà bú pà
There, there — don't be scared
不怕不怕 (bú pà bú pà) is a comforting phrase used to soothe a scared child. It means "There, there, don't be scared" and is often murmured while gently patting or reassuring them.
What does 不怕不怕 (bú pà bú pà) mean?
不怕不怕 (bú pà bú pà) means “there, there — don't be scared” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “not afraid not afraid.”
When to use it
Very informal and affectionate, used exclusively when comforting young children. It's similar to "there, there" in English. For adults, one would typically use 别怕 (bié pà) or 没关系 (méi guānxi).
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “boo-PAH boo-PAH.” The first 不 (bù) changes to a rising tone (bú) when followed by another falling tone (pà). The repetition emphasizes the reassurance.
Other ways to say it
- 别怕bié pàdon't be afraid
Examples
不怕不怕，妈妈在这里呢。
bú pà bú pà, māma zài zhèli ne.
There, there, don't be scared, Mommy is right here.
宝宝别哭，不怕不怕。
bǎobao bié kū, bú pà bú pà.
Baby, don't cry, there, there.
没关系，没什么好怕的。
méi guānxi, méi shénme hǎo pà de.
It's okay, there's nothing to be afraid of.
Pro tip: The doubling of 不怕 (bú pà) creates a soft, repetitive, and soothing effect, making it ideal for comforting a child. It's usually said with a gentle, reassuring tone.
Related phrases
勇敢一点 · Be brave别哭 · Don't cry没事了 · It's all better now
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