Signification
A young human being.
Contexte culturel
Children are often called 'Lalo' or 'Gopal' as a nickname, referencing the child form of Lord Krishna. There is a strong emphasis on teaching 'Ahimsa' (non-violence) to a 'નાનું બાળક' from the moment they can understand speech. In villages, a 'નાનું બાળક' is often protected from the 'evil eye' (nazar) by a small black dot (tiku) on the cheek or behind the ear. Birthday parties for a 'નાનું બાળક' have become massive social events, often blending Western cake-cutting with traditional 'Aarti'.
The Neuter Rule
Always remember 'Balak' is neuter. Even if you know the child is a boy, 'Nanu Balak' is the grammatically correct way to start.
Plural Nasalization
Don't forget the dot (anusvara) on 'નાનાં' when talking about multiple children. It changes the sound significantly.
Signification
A young human being.
The Neuter Rule
Always remember 'Balak' is neuter. Even if you know the child is a boy, 'Nanu Balak' is the grammatically correct way to start.
Plural Nasalization
Don't forget the dot (anusvara) on 'નાનાં' when talking about multiple children. It changes the sound significantly.
Sound like a local
Use 'Nanakdu' instead of 'Nanu' when you want to show you think the child is adorable.
Respecting Elders
Even if an elder calls you 'Nanu Balak', don't correct them! It's a sign of affection.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct form of the adjective 'small'.
______ બાળક રમે છે. (Nanu/Nani/Nano)
Because 'બાળક' is a neuter noun, the adjective must end in '-u'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct for 'Small children are playing'?
Select the plural form:
In plural, 'નાનું' becomes 'નાનાં' and 'બાળક' becomes 'બાળકો'.
Match the phrase to the correct context.
When would you say 'નાના બાળકને દૂધ આપો'?
It means 'Give milk to the small child'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: આ કોણ છે? B: આ મારું ______ છે.
The question asks 'Who is this?', so the answer should be a person.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Adjective Agreement
Banque d exercices
4 exercices______ બાળક રમે છે. (Nanu/Nani/Nano)
Because 'બાળક' is a neuter noun, the adjective must end in '-u'.
Select the plural form:
In plural, 'નાનું' becomes 'નાનાં' and 'બાળક' becomes 'બાળકો'.
When would you say 'નાના બાળકને દૂધ આપો'?
It means 'Give milk to the small child'.
A: આ કોણ છે? B: આ મારું ______ છે.
The question asks 'Who is this?', so the answer should be a person.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsIt's borderline. Usually, by 10, they are just 'Balak' or 'Chhokro'. 'Nanu' implies they are still very small.
Neither! It is neuter. This is a unique feature of Gujarati compared to Hindi.
'Balak' is more formal and polite. 'Chhokru' is very common in homes but can sometimes sound slightly less respectful.
You say: 'મારે બે નાનાં બાળકો છે' (Mare be nana baḷako che).
It's better to use 'Galuḍiyu' (puppy). Using 'Balak' for animals is rare in Gujarati.
Yes, 'Navjat Shishu' is the formal term, but 'Nanu Balak' is still used informally.
It changes when you add words like 'ne' (to) or 'sathe' (with). This is called the oblique case.
Yes, it is perfectly polite and friendly.
The plural is 'Balako'.
Yes, 'Nani gadi' (Small car). Note that 'Gadi' is feminine, so 'Nanu' becomes 'Nani'.
You can say 'Vahalu nanu balak'.
Yes, very frequently in lullabies and devotional songs about Krishna.
Expressions liées
નાનું છોકરું
similarSmall kid
બાળપણ
builds onChildhood
મોટું માણસ
contrastGrown adult
નાનકડું
specialized formTiny/Cute
શિશુ
synonymInfant
