बच्चा
baccā/bət̪.t͡ʃɑː/masculine
The English word "baby" is translated into Hindi as बच्चा (baccā). Wiktionary also lists शिशु (śiśu).
Meaning: very young human being (noun)
Ways to say it
| Hindi | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| बच्चा | baccā | /bət̪.t͡ʃɑː/ (Hindi, Standard) | masculine |
| शिशु | śiśu | /ʃɪ.ʃuː/ (Hindi, Standard) | masculine |
The term refers to a very young human being. You may also use the related verb दुलारना to mean coddling or pampering someone like an infant.
Which one should you use?
बच्चा is the common word for a child or baby, whereas शिशु is a more formal and clinical term specifically referring to an infant or newborn.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of बच्चा is बच्चे. When बच्चा is followed by a postposition, such as 'to' or 'in', it changes to the oblique form बच्चे.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of baccā is /bət̪.tʃɑː/.
Did you know?
- The common word बच्चा (baccā) is actually a linguistic relative of the word बछड़ा (bachṛā), which refers to a calf.
- When a child is being extremely mischievous, an adult might call them a नटखट बच्चा, where नटखट specifically describes a playful or naughty nature.
- In some Indian dialects, the word बच्चा can be used to describe the smallest or youngest member of any group, not just a biological family.
Examples in context
- बच्चा पालनी में सो गया।The baby fell asleep in the cradle.This sentence shows the use of बच्चा to describe a baby sleeping in a cradle.Tatoeba #455253 by minshirui, translation #45825 by CK
- बच्चा बहुत देर से रो रहा था।The baby has been crying for a long time.This sentence shows the use of बच्चा regarding a baby crying.Tatoeba #486277 by minshirui, translation #272331 by CK
- बच्चा की नींद आधी रात में खुल गई।The baby woke up in the middle of the night.This sentence shows the use of बच्चा when a baby wakes up.Tatoeba #487202 by minshirui, translation #45834 by CK
- आपका शिशु बहुत प्यारा है।Your baby is very cute.
- उसका बच्चा कभी रोता नहीं है।Her baby never cries.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Priya and Amit are looking at a photo of a newborn.
- प्रिया Priyaयह बच्चा कितना प्यारा है!Yeh baccha kitna pyaara hai!This baby is so cute!
- अमित Amitहाँ, उसकी आँखें बहुत सुंदर हैं।Haan, uski aankhein bahut sundar hain.Yes, its eyes are very beautiful.
- प्रिया Priyaक्या यह बच्चा सो रहा है?Kya yeh baccha so raha hai?Is this baby sleeping?
- अमित Amitहाँ, वह अभी सो रहा है।Haan, vah abhi so raha hai.Yes, he is sleeping right now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “baby” translations and entries बच्चा, शिशु, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries बच्चा, शिशु, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
