Translation guide
In Japanese, referring to a 'small child' depends on age, context, and formality. The most common general term is 子供 (こども), but more specific words exist for infants, toddlers, and young children. This guide covers the most useful expressions for English-speaking learners.
Referring to a child in general, without specifying exact age, in everyday conversation.
The most common and neutral word for 'child'. Can refer to children of various ages, from toddlers to elementary school age. Often used in plural sense even without plural marker.
あの子供は元気だね。
That child is energetic, isn't he?
公園に子供がたくさんいる。
There are many children in the park.
A shorter, slightly more casual or literary way to say 'child'. Often used in compounds or when speaking affectionately. Can sound blunt if used alone.
うちの子はまだ小さい。
Our child is still small.
Specifically referring to a baby or toddler, emphasizing small size and young age.
Formal term for 'infant' or 'toddler', typically up to around age 6. Used in official contexts, parenting articles, and education.
幼児のための安全基準
Safety standards for infants/toddlers
Affectionate term for 'baby', usually under 1 year old. Very common in daily speech.
Literally 'small child', a descriptive phrase emphasizing small size. Natural in conversation.
小さな子供でも楽しめる遊び
A game that even small children can enjoy
Medical/formal term for 'infant' (under 1 year). Used in healthcare and official documents.
Emphasizing that the child is young and small compared to others, often in contexts like 'when I was a small child'.
Common phrase meaning 'when (I) was small'. Used to talk about one's own childhood.
小さい頃、よくここで遊んだ。
When I was a small child, I often played here.
More literary/formal version of 'when I was small', emphasizing innocence and young age.
幼い頃の思い出
Memories from when I was a small child
子供 is the standard word for 'child' and is safe in almost all situations. 子 is shorter and can sound more intimate or blunt depending on context. Use 子供 unless you're comfortable with the nuance.
While 小さな子供 is grammatically correct, it can sound redundant because 子供 already implies young age. Use it only when you need to emphasize small size, e.g., in contrast to older children.
赤ちゃんが泣いている。
The baby is crying.
Infant mortality rate