How to Say “I am an only child” in Chinese
Relationships and family
"I am an only child" in Chinese is 我是独生子 (Wǒ shì dú shēng zǐ). 独生子 (dú shēng zǐ) literally means 'only-born son'; for a daughter use 独生女 (dú shēng nǚ). The gender-neutral 独生子女 is the official term you'll see in government documents and news.
Primary translation
我是独生子
Wǒ shì dú shēng zǐ
Traditional: 我是獨生子
Variants by register
Formal
我是独生子女
Wǒ shì dú shēng zǐ nǚ
Casual
我是独生子
Wǒ shì dú shēng zǐ
When to use it
独生子 (dú shēng zǐ) literally means 'only-born son'; for a daughter use 独生女 (dú shēng nǚ). The gender-neutral 独生子女 is the official term you'll see in government documents and news. Because of the one-child policy (1980–2015), almost everyone born in Mainland cities during that era is an 独生子女, so saying this to someone your age is completely unremarkable. If your parents had a second child after the policy relaxed, you can say 我有一个弟弟/妹妹 instead.
Example sentences
我是独生女，没有兄弟姐妹。
Wǒ shì dú shēng nǚ, méi yǒu xiōng dì jiě mèi.
I'm an only daughter; I have no siblings.
他是独生子，父母很宠他。
Tā shì dú shēng zǐ, fù mǔ hěn chǒng tā.
He's an only child; his parents spoil him.
你是独生子女吗？
Nǐ shì dú shēng zǐ nǚ ma?
Are you an only child?
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