Ways to say it
| Ukrainian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| дити́на | dytýna | feminine |
| ля́лька | ljálʹka | feminine |
| немовля́ | nemovljá | neuter |
| немовля́тко | nemovljátko | neuter |
| малю́к | maljúk | masculine |
| дитя́тко | dytjátko | neuter |
Ukrainian uses specific words to distinguish between a general child, a tiny infant and a toddler. While дити́на is a general term for a child of any age, немовля́ refers specifically to an infant or newborn. For a more colloquial way to say 'little one' or 'toddler', you can use малю́к.
What does it mean word for word?
The term немовля́ is literally 'one who does not speak', derived from roots meaning 'not' and 'to speak', referring to the stage of life where a child is unable to talk.
Which one should you use?
дити́на is a general term for a child of any age, whereas немовля́ is reserved for infants or newborns. малю́к is a colloquial way to refer to a small child or a toddler. In terms of diminutive forms, немовля́тко is used to emphasize the smallness or cuteness of an infant, while дитя́тко is an affectionate way to refer to a child.
How does it change in a sentence?
немовля́тко is a diminutive form of немовля́ used to express endearment or emphasize how cute and small an infant is. Similarly, дитя́тко is a diminutive of дити́на used to refer to a child in a tender or affectionate way.
How do you pronounce it?
dytýna
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use ля́лька to refer to a human baby. In Ukrainian, ля́лька specifically means a toy doll.
Did you know?
- While English uses 'baby' as a romantic term for a partner, using the Ukrainian equivalent малю́к in this way is uncommon and can sound childish or odd to native speakers.
- In Ukrainian, the word дити́на is grammatically feminine, even when referring to a baby boy.
- The word дитя́ is an archaic or poetic version of дити́на and is frequently found in Ukrainian classical literature and religious texts.
Examples in context
- Моя сестра має гарне дитя.My sister has a beautiful baby.
- Не можу дочекатися, щоб побачити вашого нового малюка!I can't wait to see your new baby!
- Ця дити́на дуже гарна.Tsya dytyna duzhe harna.This baby is very beautiful.
Example conversation
Olena and Oleksandr are looking at a photograph.
- Олена OlenaПодивися, яка мила дити́на!Podyvysia, yaka myla dytyna!Look, what a cute baby!
- Олександр OleksandrЦе син моєї сестри.Tse syn moieie sestry.This is my sister's son.
- Олена OlenaЦя дити́на схожа на тебе.Tsi dytyna skhozha na tebe.This baby looks like you.
- Олександр OleksandrТак, вони дуже схожі.Tak, vony duzhe skhozhi.Yes, they are very similar.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “baby” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
