保姆 bǎomǔ nanny
nanny; babysitter; housekeeper
How to remember 保姆: 保 to protect + 姆 governess = nanny.
Characters
How it is used
- A nanny, housekeeper, or domestic helper hired to care for children or the home - 请了个保姆 (qǐng le ge bǎomǔ) hired a nanny.
- Broader than English 'nanny': covers childcare, elder care, and general housework. 月嫂 (yuèsǎo) specifically means postpartum confinement nanny.
- Everyday register; figuratively '保姆式' means overly hand-holding (保姆式服务, hand-holding service).