French word

bambin

Pronunciation

IPA/bɑ̃bɛ̃/

Meaning

  • masculine nountoddler

Example

Le bambin dort dans sa chambre.

The toddler is sleeping in their room.

Illustration for bambin (toddler)

More examples

S'occuper d'un bambin demande de la patience.

Taking care of a toddler requires patience.

Core concept

A small child at the stage of walking, playing, and being cared for by adults.

Common phrases

  • s'occuper d'un bambin

    take care of a toddler

  • le bambin endormi

    the sleeping toddler

  • un bambin curieux

    a curious toddler

Similar words

enfant: A general term for a child from infancy through the years before puberty.
bébé: A very young infant who needs regular holding, feeding, and daily care.
tout-petit: A very young toddler, described affectionately as they begin to walk.
gamin: A colloquial term for an energetic, mischievous child.

Definition in French

S'emploie pour désigner un jeune enfant, souvent avec une nuance affectueuse ou attendrie.

Word origin

French borrowed bambin from Italian bambino, whose child-directed form helps explain its affectionate tone.

Usage tips

  • Bambin often suggests a young child rather than a newborn, while bébé more directly denotes a baby.

Other meanings

  • little kidnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word