Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'babysitting' is expressed through different words and phrases depending on the context, such as whether it's a paid job, a favor for a friend, or simply watching children. The most common and versatile term is 子守 (こもり), but other expressions like ベビーシッター and 子守りをする are also used.
Expressing the act of looking after children, either as a job or informally.
The most common and general term for babysitting or childcare. Can be used as a noun or as part of a verb phrase (子守をする).
I'm babysitting my little sister today.
Babysitting is a tough job.
Loanword from English 'babysitter'. Often used for paid, professional babysitting services. Can also be used as a verb with をする.
I hired a babysitter for the weekend.
Verb phrase meaning 'to babysit' or 'to look after a child'. The noun 子守り is a variation of 子守.
She babysits the neighbor's child.
A more general phrase meaning 'to take care of a child'. It implies looking after the child's needs, not just watching them.
My older sister took care of my child for me.
Refers to the role or duty of a babysitter, often used in contexts like assigning tasks or describing a person's function.
He volunteered for the babysitting role at the party.
Specifically referring to hiring a babysitter as a paid service.
Means 'to hire a babysitter'. This is the most direct way to talk about employing someone for childcare.
We're hiring a babysitter and going out tonight.
A more casual way to say 'to ask for a sitter' or 'to request a babysitter'. シッター is a common abbreviation of ベビーシッター.
Casually looking after children, often for a short time or as a favor.
子守 is a native Japanese word that can refer to both informal and professional childcare, while ベビーシッター is a loanword that strongly implies a paid, often part-time job. In casual conversation, 子守 is more common, but for services like agencies, ベビーシッター is standard.
She worked a babysitting part-time job when she was a university student.
I got a babysitter certification.
The English word 'babysitting' is a gerund, but directly translating it as ベビーシッティング is not natural in Japanese. Instead, use noun forms like 子守 or verb phrases like 子守をする.
I'm busy with babysitting on the weekend.
I do babysitting every Saturday.
We need to find a babysitter for Friday night.
She's babysitting her nephew.
I suddenly had to ask for a babysitter.
I was asked to babysit by a friend.