Ways to say it
| Croatian | Note |
|---|---|
| beba | Latin, feminine |
| mališan | Latin, masculine |
| detence | Latin, neuter |
| djetence | Latin, neuter |
| novorođenče | Latin, neuter |
| odojče | Latin, neuter |
| dojenče | Latin, neuter |
The terms used to translate "baby" describe various stages of infancy and levels of affection or formality.
Which one should you use?
While beba is the general word for a baby, novorođenče is used specifically to refer to a newborn baby. The term dojenče specifically refers to an infant that is still being breastfed. If you are looking for a more diminutive or endearing way to refer to a small child or baby, you might use mališan.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
novorođenče and dojenče are more formal or specific terms. mališan is an informal, colloquial and affectionate way to say "little guy" or "little one".
How does it change in a sentence?
beba is a feminine noun. The plural form is bebe (babies). In the dative case, used when saying something is "to the baby", the form is bebi.
Did you know?
- The word beba is sometimes used colloquially to refer to a romantic partner, similar to the English use of 'baby'.
- The word beba is an onomatopoeia, meaning it was likely created to mimic the sounds a baby makes, such as 'ba-ba'.
- While beba is a feminine noun, it is used for both baby boys and baby girls regardless of the child's biological sex.
Examples in context
- On spava ko beba.He's sleeping like a baby.This sentence shows how to use beba in a simile.Tatoeba #1101190 by vlado, translation #2089 by CK
- Pošto je ostavljena sama beba je počela plakati.Having been left alone, the baby started to cry.This sentence demonstrates using beba to describe a baby starting to cry.Tatoeba #1477461 by pejcinovick, translation #1328239 by Eldad
- Beba još plače.The baby is still crying.This sentence shows the use of beba to indicate a baby is still crying.Tatoeba #13790578 by mervert1, translation #13789142 by mervert1
- Gdje je beba?Where is the baby?
- Kako se zove vaše novorođenče?What is the name of your newborn baby?
- Gdje si, mali? Mama te traži.Where are you, little one? Mom is looking for you.
- Ljubim te, ljubimče moj!I love you, my sweetie!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ivana and Ivan are looking at a photo of a newborn.
- IvanaTa beba je predivna.That baby is beautiful.
- IvanDa, Ivana, prava je mala beba.Yes, Ivana, it is a tiny baby.
- IvanaJesi li vidio koliko je mala?Did you see how small she is?
- IvanVidio sam, baš je slatka.I saw, she is very sweet.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “baby” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries beba, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
