ちび
chibi[t͡ɕibʲi]
The Japanese word for kiddo is ちび (chibi).
ちび is an informal term that refers to someone as a small or cute person, similar to a kiddo.
Meaning: child (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
chibi
Did you know?
- The 'chibi' art style has become so globally recognized that the Japanese word is now used by English-speaking artists to describe a specific proportion of 2 to 3 heads high.
- The root of ちび comes from the verb 禿びる, which means 'to wear down' or 'to become small'.
- While it can be a cute nickname, using ちび to address someone can be seen as a derogatory way to call them 'shorty' or 'midget'.
Examples in context
- うちのちびは元気だ。Uchi no chibi wa genki da.My kiddo is energetic.
Example conversation
A brother and sister are looking at a baby in a stroller.
- 大翔 Hiroto陽葵、見て。このちび、寝てるよ。Himari, mite. Kono chibi, neteru yo.Himari, look. This kiddo is sleeping.
- 陽葵 Himari本当だ。なんていい顔してるの。Hontō da. Nante ii kao shiteru no.You're right. What a sweet face.
- 大翔 Hirotoあ、起きた！ちびが笑ってるぞ。A, okita! Chibi ga waratteru zo.Oh, he's awake! The kiddo is smiling.
- 陽葵 Himariかわいい！大翔に似てないね。Kawaii! Daito ni nitenai ne.How cute! He doesn't look like you, Daito.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ちび, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ちび, CC BY-SA 4.0.
