Ways to say it
| Hungarian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| baba | [ˈbɒbɒ] (narrow) | |
| csecsemő | [ˈt͡ʃɛt͡ʃɛmøː] (narrow) | |
| bébi | [ˈbeːbi] (narrow) | colloquial |
The term refers to a very young human being. Depending on the context, you might use terms like kisbaba for "little baby" or pici baba for "tiny baby". Additionally, the informal term kicsi can be used to mean "little one" when referring to babies or young children.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the desired level of formality and the specific age of the child. Use baba as the standard, neutral term for everyday contexts. If you are referring specifically to a newborn or an infant in a formal or medical sense, use csecsemő. For a very informal or cute way of speaking, you can use the colloquial loanword bébi.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Baba is the neutral, standard form. Csecsemő is a formal or medical alternative, similar to "infant". Bébi is colloquial and used in very informal settings or when speaking in a cute manner. You may also use the diminutive babika to convey endearment.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be aware that baba also means "doll" in Hungarian, so ensure the context is clear when referring to a human baby.
Did you know?
- The word baba is thought to be onomatopoeic, mimicking the early, repetitive sounds a child makes when babbling.
- The colloquial word bébi is a direct loanword from English, but it is used specifically to sound 'cute' or modern rather than just as a translation.
- The formal term csecsemő is almost exclusively used in medical contexts or official documents, making it sound jarring if used in a nursery.
Examples in context
- A baba tud járni.The baby is able to walk.This sentence demonstrates the ability of a baba to walk.Tatoeba #703175 by Aleksandro40, translation #45829 by CK
- Ez a baba fél éves.This baby is half a year old.This sentence describes the age of a baba.Tatoeba #10617198 by kiseva33, translation #2519400 by danepo
- A baba fogai élesek.Baby teeth are sharp.This sentence refers to the teeth of a baba.Tatoeba #5206005 by maaster, translation #1981148 by FlamingTofu
- Nézd, milyen aranyos ez a baba!Look how cute this baby is!
- Jaj, de pici babakám vagy!Oh, you're such a tiny baby!
- Gyere, kedves babám, itt az ebéd!Come, my dear baby, it's time for lunch!
- 53 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Zsófia and László are looking at a photograph.
- ZsófiaNézd, milyen édes ez a baba!Look, how sweet this baby is!
- LászlóIgen, nagyon hasonlít a apjához.Yes, he looks a lot like his father.
- ZsófiaHány hónapos már a baba?How many months old is the baby now?
- LászlóMost lett három hónapos.He just turned three months old.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “baby” translations and entries baba, csecsemő, bébi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries baba, bébi, csecsemő, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
