Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| dziecko | /ˈd͡ʑɛt͡s.kɔ/ /ˈd͡ʑɛt͡s.kɔ/ (Middle, Polish) |
neuter |
| niemowlę | /ɲɛˈmɔv.lɛ/ /ɲɛˈmɔv.lɛw̃/ |
neuter |
| niemowlak | /ɲɛˈmɔv.lak/ | animate, masculine |
| maluch | /ˈma.lux/ | animate, masculine |
| dzidziuś | /ˈd͡ʑi.d͡ʑuɕ/ | masculine |
The term for baby in Polish varies depending on whether you are emphasizing the infant stage, using a casual tone or expressing affection. Dziecko is a common and neutral term that translates to child. Niemowlę specifically refers to very young infants or newborns. For a more colloquial approach, you can use niemowlak to refer to a baby or a little kid or maluch to mean a little one or a toddler.
Which one should you use?
While dziecko is the general word for child or baby, niemowlę specifically refers to an infant or a very young baby. Niemowlak is a more casual, slightly less formal way to refer to a baby compared to niemowlę. Maluch is an endearing term for a small child or a baby, often used to describe a 'little one'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Niemowlę is a formal term for an infant. Dziecko is a neutral term. Niemowlak is a colloquial form. Maluch and dzidziuś are endearing terms. Maluszek is a diminutive form of maluch.
How does it change in a sentence?
Dziecko is a neuter noun, meaning it takes neuter adjective and verb forms in a sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
The word dziecko is pronounced /ˈdʑɛts.kɔ/. It has 2 syllables, and the stress is on 1 of 2.
Did you know?
- If you call a baby a maluch, you are also using a word that is the name of a very famous, small Polish car from the Fiat era.
- The formal term niemowlę is actually built from a root meaning 'not speaking'. It literally describes a being that cannot yet utter words.
- Polish has a system of diminutives that allows maluch to become maluszek, adding an extra layer of sweetness and affection.
Examples in context
- Tom to tylko dziecko.Tom is just a baby.This sentence uses dziecko to describe someone's age or status.Tatoeba #3649942 by liori, translation #3419786 by CK
- Kładę dziecko do łóżka.I am putting my baby into the bed.This sentence uses dziecko to describe an action involving a baby.Tatoeba #3718071 by Siganiv, translation #1665853 by Amastan
- Dziecko płakało całą noc.The baby kept crying all night.This sentence uses dziecko to describe a baby's behavior during the night.Tatoeba #492693 by jeedrek, translation #45839 by CK
- Moje dziecko jest tak urocze!My baby is so adorable!
- Czy to jest twoje niemowlę?Is this your newborn?
- Maluchy bardzo potrzebują naszej opieki.Toddlers need our care a lot.
- Twój bobas wygląda tak uśmiechnięty!Your little tyke looks so smiley!
- Przytulam mojego maluszka cały czas.I cuddle my little one all the time.
- 53 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is looking at a photo of a newborn.
- KatarzynaTo dziecko jest bardzo śliczne.This baby is very cute.
- TomaszTak, ma bardzo duże oczy.Yes, he has very big eyes.
- KatarzynaCzy to dziecko śpi teraz?Is the baby sleeping now?
- TomaszTak, nasz syn właśnie zasnął.Yes, our son just fell asleep.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “baby” translations and entries dziecko, niemowlę, niemowlak, maluch, dzidziuś, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dziecko, maluch, niemowlak, niemowlę, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
