赤ちゃん
aka-chan[a̠ka̠t͡ɕã̠ɴ]
The English phrase "little baby" is translated into Japanese as 赤ちゃん (aka-chan).
赤ちゃん refers to a very young human child. It can be used to refer to a single baby or to babies in a general sense. While 赤ちゃん is the standard term, the slang term Chibi (ちび) is sometimes used to describe someone or something that is small and cute, which may apply to a little baby.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 赤ちゃん is built from the root 赤 (aka), which means "red".
How do you pronounce it?
aka-chan
Did you know?
- In the Malay language, the phrase 'anak merah' means 'red child', showing a surprising linguistic parallel to the Japanese concept.
- Japanese has a specific category of language called baby talk called aka-chan kotoba, characterized by simplified sounds and repeated syllables.
- While 赤ちゃん is the standard term, using the suffix ちゃん can sometimes make even adult names sound more childish or overly sweet.
Examples in context
- 赤ちゃんが寝ています。Akachan ga nete imasu.The baby is sleeping.
- 可愛い赤ちゃんですね。Kawaii akachan desu ne.It's a cute baby, isn't it?
- 赤ちゃんは元気です。Akachan wa genki desu.The baby is energetic.
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are looking at a photo.
- 健太 Kentaこの赤ちゃんは誰ですか？Kono akachan wa dare desu ka?Who is this baby?
- 結衣 Yui私の親戚の赤ちゃんです。Watashi no shinseki no akachan desu.It is my relative's baby.
- 健太 Kentaとてもいい顔をしていますね。Totemo ii kao o shite imasu ne.He has a very sweet face, doesn't he?
- 結衣 Yuiありがとうございます。Arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you very much.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 赤ちゃん, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 赤ちゃん, CC BY-SA 4.0.
