kūdikis
[²ˈkuːdʲɪkʲɪs]masculine
The English word baby is kūdikis in Lithuanian. Wiktionary also lists žinduklis.
Meaning: very young human being (noun)
Ways to say it
| Lithuanian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| kūdikis | [²ˈkuːdʲɪkʲɪs] (narrow) | masculine |
| žinduklis | masculine |
The primary word for a very young human being is kūdikis. In informal settings, you might also hear the terms mažylis or vaikeliukas used as endearing ways to refer to a baby.
Which one should you use?
While kūdikis is the standard term for a baby, žinduklis is used more specifically to refer to a baby that is still nursing or suckling.
How does it change in a sentence?
To indicate 'of the baby' in the singular genitive case, use kūdikio. To refer to multiple babies, the plural form is kūdikiai.
Did you know?
- The term kūdikis may have roots in a Slavic word for a 'miscarried lamb' in certain dialects.
- The word žinduklis is derived from the root žindėti, which means 'to suckle'.
Examples in context
- Kūdikis gali stovėti, bet negali vaikščioti.The baby can stand but can't walk.This sentence uses kūdikis to describe a baby's physical abilities.Tatoeba #3305955 by asveja, translation #45852 by CK
- Miega kaip kūdikis.He's sleeping like a baby.This sentence uses kūdikis in a simile to describe how someone sleeps.Tatoeba #3471160 by asveja, translation #2089 by CK
- Kūdikis verkė visą naktį.The baby cried all night.This sentence uses kūdikis to describe a baby crying through the night.Tatoeba #1216741 by fanty, translation #492680 by CK
- Ar galiu pabučiuoti tavo kūdikį?Can I kiss your baby?
- Koks gražus mažylis!What a beautiful baby!
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Andrius and Rūta are looking at a photograph.
- AndriusKas tai yra nuotraukoje?Who is this in the photo?
- RūtaTai mano sesis, jis buvo mažas kūdikis.This is my brother, he was a little baby.
- AndriusKūdikis atrodo labai mielas.The baby looks very cute.
- RūtaAčiū, jis buvo labai ramus.Thank you, he was very calm.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “baby” translations and entries kūdikis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kūdikis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
