малы́ш
malýšmasculine
In Russian, 'little one' can be translated as малы́ш (malýš). If unsure, use малы́ш. Wiktionary also lists малы́шка (malýška).
Meaning: young child (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| малы́ш | malýš | masculine |
| малы́шка | malýška | feminine |
The term is an affectionate, informal way to refer to a small child or a baby. Because it is a diminutive form, it carries an inherent sense of endearment and smallness.
Which one should you use?
малы́ш is the masculine form used for a boy or as a general term for a child. In contrast, малы́шка is the feminine form used specifically for a girl.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of малы́ш is малыши́, used when referring to multiple little ones.
How do you pronounce it?
malýš
Did you know?
- In certain slang contexts, 'малы́ш' can be used among adults as a term of endearment for a romantic partner, similar to 'baby' in English.
- Russian has a vast system of diminutives, allowing малыш to be further softened into forms like малышик to express even more tenderness.
- In Russian, the word малы́ш can also be used to describe a very small, cute animal, such as a kitten or a puppy, using the same level of endearment.
Examples in context
- Привет, малышка! Как твой день прошел?Hi, little one! How was your day?
- Какой же ты милый, ребеночек!You're so cute, little one!
Example conversation
Dmitry and Olga are looking at a photo of a baby.
- Дмитрий DmitryОльга, посмотри на этого малы́ша.Ol'ga, posmotri na etogo malysha.Olga, look at this little one.
- Ольга OlgaОй, какой он очаровательный!Oy, kakoy on ocharovatel'nyy!Oh, how charming he is!
- Дмитрий DmitryЭто мой племянник.Eto moy plemyannik.This is my nephew.
- Ольга OlgaПрелестный ребёнок.Prelestnyy rebenok.A lovely child.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “little one” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
