Translation guide
In Japanese, referring to a 'young child' depends on context, age range, and formality. The most common general term is 子供 (こども), but more specific words exist for infants, toddlers, and small children. This guide covers natural ways to express the concept.
The speaker wants to refer to a young human being in general, without specifying exact age.
The most common and neutral word for 'child'. Can refer to anyone from a baby to a teenager, but context usually clarifies youth.
あの子供は元気ですね。
That young child is energetic, isn't he?
子供の頃、よく公園で遊びました。
When I was a child, I often played in the park.
A shorter, slightly more literary or formal version of 子供. Often used in compounds or set phrases.
この子はまだ小さいです。
This child is still small.
The speaker specifically means a very young child who cannot walk or talk yet.
The standard word for 'baby'. Warm and affectionate, used in everyday speech.
赤ちゃんが泣いています。
The baby is crying.
Formal/technical term for 'infant' (under 1 year). Used in medical or official contexts.
The speaker wants to refer to a child who is just starting to walk and talk.
General term for 'toddler' or 'preschooler', roughly ages 1–6. Common in parenting contexts.
幼児向けの絵本を買いました。
I bought a picture book for toddlers.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'a child who toddles'. Emphasizes the unsteady walking stage.
よちよち歩きの子がかわいい。
The toddler is cute.
The speaker means a child who is no longer a baby but not yet in elementary school.
Literally 'small child'. A natural, common way to specify a young child without using technical terms.
小さな子供が公園で遊んでいます。
A small child is playing in the park.
A somewhat poetic or old-fashioned word for a very young child. Often used in literature or songs.
幼子の笑顔は天使のようだ。
The smile of a young child is like an angel's.
The speaker is referring to their own son or daughter who is still young.
Casual, warm way to say 'my child'. Very common in conversation among parents.
うちの子はまだ小さいんです。
My child is still little.
More explicit 'my own child'. Neutral, can be used in any situation.
自分の子供が一番かわいい。
My own child is the cutest.
English 'young child' is often redundant in Japanese. Simply 子供 (こども) already implies youth. Adding 若い (わかい) to 子供 sounds unnatural. Use 小さな子供 (ちいさなこども) if you need to emphasize small size/age.
赤ちゃん (あかちゃん) is for babies (0–1). 幼児 (ようじ) covers toddlers and preschoolers (1–6). 子供 (こども) is the broadest, from baby to adolescent. In daily conversation, 子供 is the safest choice unless you need to be specific.
あそこに小さな子供がいます。
There is a young child over there.
彼女には小さい子供がいます。
She has a young child.
幼児はたくさんの睡眠が必要です。
Young children need a lot of sleep.
Using 幼児 here specifies the preschool age group; 小さな子供 also works.
I went for the infant's health check-up.