A warm and common term for a baby that emphasizes affection.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to a newborn or very young infant.
- Used affectionately in daily conversation.
- Commonly paired with childcare-related vocabulary.
Overview
- 1概要：「赤ちゃん」は、生まれたばかりから歩き始める頃までの非常に幼い子供を指す名詞です。生物学的な乳児だけでなく、愛情や親しみを込めて呼ぶ際に広く使われます。2) 使用パターン：名詞として単独で使われるほか、「赤ちゃんの服」「赤ちゃんが泣く」のように他の名詞や動詞と組み合わせて使用されます。また、自分の子供を指す際に「うちの赤ちゃん」と言うこともあります。3) 一般的な文脈：家庭内での会話、育児に関する話題、あるいは街中で小さな子供を見かけた際など、日常的に頻繁に使われる言葉です。特に家族や親しい友人との会話でよく耳にします。4) 類語との比較：「乳児（にゅうじ）」は医学的・公的な文書で使われる硬い表現であり、感情的なニュアンスは含まれません。「ベビー」は外来語として「ベビー用品」などの複合語によく使われます。「赤ちゃん」は最も一般的で、温かみを感じさせる表現です。
Examples
赤ちゃんが気持ちよさそうに眠っています。
everydayThe baby is sleeping comfortably.
乳児の死亡率に関する調査。
formalA study on infant mortality rates.
うちの赤ちゃん、最近よく笑うの。
informalMy baby has been smiling a lot lately.
赤ちゃんの成長には栄養が不可欠です。
academicNutrition is essential for a baby's growth.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
赤ちゃん返り
regressive behavior in children
赤ちゃん言葉
baby talk
赤ちゃん連れ
accompanied by a baby
Often Confused With
This is a formal or medical term. Use it in professional or official settings, not in casual conversation.
This is a broader term covering anyone from infancy to childhood. 'Akachan' is specifically for infants.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'akachan' in almost all daily life situations. It is the most common and polite term for a baby. Avoid using it in formal reports or scientific papers as it lacks the necessary clinical tone.
Common Mistakes
Beginners sometimes use 'akachan' for any child, but it is specifically for infants. Do not use 'akachan' to describe a school-age child. Also, ensure you distinguish between the casual 'akachan' and the formal 'nyuji'.
Tips
Use with affection
The word 'akachan' carries a warm tone. Use it when talking about babies in a friendly or family setting.
Avoid in formal documents
In official reports or medical documents, prefer using 'nyuji' (infant). 'Akachan' is too casual for professional writing.
Cultural importance of babies
In Japan, babies are often treated with great care and attention in public. You will frequently see 'akachan honpo' or baby-friendly facilities.
Word Origin
The word comes from 'aka' (red) + 'chan' (a suffix for endearment). Historically, it refers to the reddish skin of a newborn baby.
Cultural Context
In Japan, babies are often called 'akachan' to show affection. It is common for strangers to smile at babies in public, and the word is used to build a friendly atmosphere.
Memory Tip
Think of the 'aka' (red) in 'akachan' as the color of a baby's cheeks. It's a cute way to remember this word.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「赤ちゃん」は日常的で親しみのある表現です。一方、「乳児」は法律や医学の文脈で使われる硬い言葉です。
明確な定義はありませんが、一般的には歩き始める前までの乳幼児を指すことが多いです。言葉を話し始めると「子供」と呼ぶのが一般的になります。
はい、問題ありません。愛情を込めて呼ぶ際にとても自然な表現です。
「ベビー」は主に商品名やサービス名に使われることが多いです。日常会話では「赤ちゃん」が圧倒的に使われます。
Test Yourself
公園で可愛い___が遊んでいます。
公園で遊んでいる文脈から、幼い子供を指す「赤ちゃん」が適しています。
病院の書類で最も適切な表現は？
公的な書類や医療の場では「乳児」という言葉が適切です。
（泣いています / 赤ちゃん / が / 今）
「赤ちゃんが」が主語となり、その後に「今」「泣いています」と続きます。
Score: /3
Summary
A warm and common term for a baby that emphasizes affection.
- Refers to a newborn or very young infant.
- Used affectionately in daily conversation.
- Commonly paired with childcare-related vocabulary.
Use with affection
The word 'akachan' carries a warm tone. Use it when talking about babies in a friendly or family setting.
Avoid in formal documents
In official reports or medical documents, prefer using 'nyuji' (infant). 'Akachan' is too casual for professional writing.
Cultural importance of babies
In Japan, babies are often treated with great care and attention in public. You will frequently see 'akachan honpo' or baby-friendly facilities.
Examples
4 of 4赤ちゃんが気持ちよさそうに眠っています。
The baby is sleeping comfortably.
乳児の死亡率に関する調査。
A study on infant mortality rates.
うちの赤ちゃん、最近よく笑うの。
My baby has been smiling a lot lately.
赤ちゃんの成長には栄養が不可欠です。
Nutrition is essential for a baby's growth.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
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知人
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養親
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