Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ребёнок | rebjónok | [rʲɪˈbʲɵnək] (narrow) [rɨˈbʲonak] (narrow) |
masculine |
| младе́нец | mladénec | masculine | |
| малы́ш | malýš | masculine | |
| малы́шка | malýška | feminine | |
| дитя́ | ditjá | neuter | |
| малю́тка | maljútka | feminine | |
| кро́шка | króška | feminine | |
| бе́би | bɛ́bi | feminine, masculine |
The translation of 'baby' depends on whether you are referring to a literal infant, a young child or using the word in a slang context. While ребёнок is a general term for a child, other forms specify the age, gender or tone of the conversation.
Which one should you use?
The terms differ based on age and tone: ребёнок is a neutral, general term for a child of various ages. младе́нец is used specifically for a newborn or an infant. малы́ш is a colloquial and affectionate way to refer to a toddler or a small child. бе́би is a slang loanword from English that typically refers to a romantic partner rather than an actual infant.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Different levels of formality are available: младе́нец is a formal term for an infant. ребёнок is the neutral standard. малы́ш and малю́тка are informal, affectionate terms used among friends, family or parents. дитя́ is a poetic or archaic term often found in literature or religious contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of Ukraine and Belarus, the word лялька is used to refer to a baby.
How does it change in a sentence?
Gendered forms include: малы́шка is the feminine form of малы́ш and is used specifically for a female child. малю́тка is a feminine noun used to describe someone or something very small, often used affectionately for a baby. кро́шка is a feminine noun. бе́би can be used as either a masculine or feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
rebjónok
When do people say it?
In modern pop culture, the slang term бе́би is often used to address a romantic partner.
Did you know?
- The standard word for a child, ребёнок, has a surprising historical connection to the word for 'slave'.
- The word кро́шка is a feminine noun that literally translates to 'crumb', used affectionately to mean 'tiny one'.
- In certain regions like Ukraine and Belarus, the word лялька is used to refer to a baby, even though it primarily means 'doll' in other contexts.
Examples in context
- Я уже не ребёнок.I'm not a baby anymore.This sentence shows how to use ребёнок to state that one is no longer a child.Tatoeba #1776029 by marafon, translation #4066502 by Hybrid
- Я уже не ребёнок!I'm not a baby, you know!This sentence uses ребёнок to express emphasis.Tatoeba #1944859 by marafon, translation #1439119 by quickfitter
- Том – мой ребёнок.Tom is my baby.This sentence uses ребёнок to show a parental relationship.Tatoeba #5878262 by marafon, translation #2273290 by CK
- 258 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anastasia and Alexander are looking at a photo.
- Анастасия AnastasiaКто этот маленький ребёнок на фото?Kto etot malen'kiy rebyonok na foto?Who is this little baby in the photo?
- Александр AleksandrЭто мой племянник, ему всего месяц.Eto moy plemyannik, emu vsego mesyats.This is my nephew, he is only a month old.
- Анастасия AnastasiaКакой милый ребёнок!Kakoy milyy rebyonok!What a cute baby!
- Александр AleksandrСпасибо, он очень спокойный.Spasibo, on ochen' spokoynyy.Thank you, he is very calm.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “baby” translations and entries ребёнок, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ребёнок, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
