બાળક
bāḷka/ˈbɑ.ɭək/
The English word "baby" is translated into Gujarati as બાળક (bāḷka).
બાળક refers to a very young human being.
Meaning: very young human being (noun)
Which one should you use?
While બાળક is the standard term, શિશુ is used specifically when a more formal tone is required.
How do you pronounce it?
It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- Gujarati has a specific cultural tradition called 'Namkaran' where a બાળક is officially named in a ceremony shortly after birth.
- The pronunciation of the 'l' in બાળક is a retroflex sound, where the tongue curls back to touch the roof of the mouth, a feature not present in English.
- The word બાળક shares its root with the Sanskrit word for 'youth', meaning the term can conceptually imply the state of being young rather than just a tiny infant.
Examples in context
- બાળક ખૂબ જ સુંદર છે.balak khub ja sundar che.The baby is very beautiful.
- એ બાળક હજી સૂતું છે.e balak haji suntu che.That baby is still sleeping.
- બાળક રડી રહ્યું છે.balak radi rahyu che.The baby is crying.
Example conversation
A couple is visiting a friend's house to see a new arrival.
- નિલય Nilayઆ બાળક ખૂબ જ ક્યૂટ છે!aa balak khub ja cute che!This baby is so cute!
- પ્રિયા Priyaહા, નિલય, તે ખૂબ જ શાંત છે.ha, Nilay, te khub ja shaant che.Yes, Nilay, she is very calm.
- નિલય Nilayશું બાળક જાગી ગયું?shu balak jaagi gayu?Did the baby wake up?
- પ્રિયા Priyaના, તે હજી સુઈ રહી છે.na, te haji sui rahi che.No, she is still sleeping.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry બાળક, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries બાળક, CC BY-SA 4.0.
