赤ちゃん — meaning in English: Baby

akachan · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for baby

チャンス

chansu

赤ちゃん

akachan

クリケット

kuriketto

化合物

kagōbutsu

収入

shūnyū

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informal very common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 赤ちゃん (akachan) in everyday conversations when referring to infants or young children, especially in family settings. For instance, a mother might say, '赤ちゃんが泣いている' (The baby is crying) when discussing her child's needs with a friend.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 幼児 (youji), which refers to a young child or toddler, typically aged 1-6 years. While 幼児 is more formal and can be used in educational contexts, 赤ちゃん is more affectionate and commonly used in familial and everyday situations, emphasizing the tenderness associated with very young children.

Culture

The term 赤ちゃん (akachan) is derived from the Japanese word for 'red' (赤, aka) and 'small' (ちゃん, chan), reflecting the rosy complexion often associated with healthy babies. In Japanese culture, babies are seen as precious and are celebrated with various rituals, such as the Shichi-Go-San festival, which recognizes children’s growth.

FAQ

Q.What does the word 赤ちゃん mean?

赤ちゃん (akachan) means 'baby' in English. It specifically refers to an infant or very young child, often used affectionately.

Q.How do you pronounce 赤ちゃん?

赤ちゃん is pronounced as 'ah-kah-chahn.' The emphasis is generally even, reflecting the soft and gentle nature of the word.

Q.Are there different words for baby in Japanese?

Yes, besides 赤ちゃん, you might encounter terms like 幼児 (youji) for toddlers or infants in formal settings. However, 赤ちゃん is the most common and affectionate term used in everyday language.

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