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ちびっ子 (ちびっこ) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
noun
small child ; kid ; tot
usually written using kana alone colloquial
Colloquial, affectionate term for a small child, similar to 'little one' or 'kiddo'. Often used by adults when speaking to or about young children.
Written forms ちびっ 子こ Usage 22%
Common kanji-kana mixed spelling. The reading ちびっこ is standard for this form.
ちびっこ Usage 62%
チビッコ Usage 16%
kana-only spelling
Full katakana spelling, common in casual contexts. It is usually written in kana.
チビッ 子こ
Katakana-initial variant, sometimes used for emphasis or in informal writing.
Our little one is still three years old.
チビっ 子こ
Mixed katakana-hiragana variant.
Kanji 子 child, sign of the rat, 11PM-1AM Similar words 子こ 供ども Standard, neutral word for 'child'. ちびっ子 is more informal and affectionate, often implying small size or cuteness.
小こ 僧ぞう Can mean 'kid' but often has a slightly derogatory or rough nuance, unlike the affectionate ちびっ子.
Etymology Derived from ちび (small, short) with the diminutive suffix っ子 (っこ), giving a cute or familiar tone. The exact origin is uncertain, but it is a natural colloquial formation.
