dziewczynka
/d͡ʑɛfˈt͡ʂɘn.ka/
The English phrase "baby girl" is translated into Polish as dziewczynka.
dziewczynka is used to refer to a very young female human child.
Which one should you use?
While dziewczynka means "little girl", it is the standard term for a female child and does not inherently carry the specific "infant/baby" connotation of the English word "baby" unless the context implies it.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes its form depending on its role in a sentence. Use dziewczynki when referring to "little girls" in the plural. Use dziewczynkę when the word is the direct object of a sentence, such as in "I see a little girl". Use dziewczynce when the word is the indirect object, such as when giving something to a little girl.
How do you pronounce it?
The word consists of 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable. The IPA is /dʑɛfˈtʂɘn.ka/.
Did you know?
- In older Polish literature, the related form dziewka was often used, but today that specific word has evolved into a vulgar insult or a term for a prostitute.
- While dziewczynka refers to a little girl, the root word dziewczyna is the standard term for a 'girlfriend' in modern Polish.
- The diminutive suffix -ka in dziewczynka can be used to create a wide range of emotional nuances, from endearing affection to making the subject sound much smaller or more vulnerable.
Examples in context
- Ta malutka dziewczynka jest już tydzień ze swoimi rodzicami.This tiny baby girl has been with her parents for a week already.
- Moja dziewczynka jest najcudowniejsza!My baby girl is the most wonderful!
- Ta mała dziewczynka śpi.That little baby girl is sleeping.
Example conversation
Tomasz and Katarzyna are looking at a photo in a baby book.
- TomaszTa dziewczynka jest urocza.That baby girl is adorable.
- KatarzynaTak, to jest nasza córka.Yes, that is our daughter.
- TomaszMa bardzo duże oczy.She has very big eyes.
- KatarzynaTo prawda, jest przeurocza.That's true, she is lovely.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry dziewczynka, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
