Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of a babysitter is expressed through specific terms for the person, as well as verbs and phrases describing the act of babysitting. The most common and natural way to refer to a babysitter is ベビーシッター, a loanword from English. However, depending on context, other terms like 子守 (komori) or descriptive phrases may be used. This guide covers how to talk about babysitters and babysitting in Japanese.
Referring to a person hired or asked to watch children, usually for a short period.
The most common and direct translation. It is a loanword from English and widely understood, especially in urban areas. It can refer to both professional and casual babysitters.
I hired a babysitter for tonight.
She works part-time as a babysitter on weekends.
A native Japanese word meaning 'babysitter' or 'nursemaid'. It can sound slightly old-fashioned or refer to a more traditional role, but is still used. Often combined with さん (komori-san) for politeness.
I left the kids with the babysitter.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'a person who watches the kids'. This is natural when you don't want to use the loanword or when the context is informal.
I found someone to watch the kids.
A shortened form of ベビーシッター, used in casual conversation. It may not be understood by all speakers.
Today is the day the sitter comes.
Describing the action of looking after children temporarily.
The most common verb phrase for 'to babysit'. It uses the noun 子守 (babysitting) with the verb する (to do).
My older sister often babysits my kids.
Yesterday I babysat at a friend's house.
A more general phrase meaning 'to take care of children'. It implies looking after their needs, not just watching them. It can be used for babysitting but also for parenting.
Directly uses the loanword as a verb with する. It is clear and common, especially among younger people.
When I was a college student, I often babysat.
Means 'to take care of a child (for someone)'. It emphasizes the temporary custody aspect. Often used when a friend or relative looks after the child.
ベビーシッター is a modern loanword and feels more casual or professional, while 子守 is a traditional Japanese word that can sound slightly old-fashioned or refer to a live-in nursemaid. In everyday conversation, ベビーシッター is more common for a hired sitter, but 子守 is still used in set phrases like 子守歌 (lullaby).
Hiring a babysitter is expensive.
My grandmother sang me a lullaby.
Do not attempt to translate 'babysitter' literally as 赤ちゃん座る人 (baby-sit person). This is nonsensical in Japanese. Always use the established terms above.
She took care of the kids for me.
My younger sister looked after my child for me.