Ways to say it
| Ukrainian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| дити́на | dytýna | feminine |
| дитя́ | dytjá | neuter |
| дитя́тко | dytjátko | neuter |
This term refers to a son, a daughter or someone's child. In informal contexts, you might hear the term Малюк used as an affectionate way to refer to a young child or toddler.
Which one should you use?
The forms дити́на, дитя́ and дитя́тко differ in tone and usage. While дити́на is the standard feminine noun, дитя́ is a neuter form typically found in poetic or archaic contexts like songs and literature. The form дитя́тко is a diminutive neuter noun used to express affection or to specifically refer to a baby or a very small child.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes depending on its role in a sentence. To indicate possession or to follow certain prepositions, use the genitive singular form дити́ни. When the word is the direct object of a verb, use the accusative form дити́ну.
How do you pronounce it?
dytýna
Did you know?
- The word Малюк, which refers to a toddler, shares a root with the verb 'to paint' or 'to draw' малювати. It conceptually treats a tiny child as a 'little sketch' or something delicately formed.
- Ukrainian uses a specific set of suffixes to create words like дитя́тко. These diminutive forms are not just for babies but are frequently used by parents to address their own adult children as a sign of enduring love.
- The word дити́на is grammatically feminine, yet it describes a person of any gender, meaning the adjectives describing a boy using this word must also be feminine.
Examples in context
- Це справжня маленька дитина.This is a real little child.
- Як справи, малюку?How are you, little one?
- Ця дити́на дуже розумна.Tsya dytyna duzhe rozumna.This child is very smart.
- Кожна дити́на хоче мати іграшки.Kazhna dytyna khoche maty ihrashky.Every child wants to have toys.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “child” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
