Japanese word

抱っこ

Pronunciation

Romajidakko

Meaning

  • nounholding in one's arms, hold

Example

父が妹を抱っこしています。chichi ga imōto o da kko shi te i ma su

Dad is holding my little sister in his arms.

Illustration for 抱っこ (holding in one's arms)

More examples

お母さんが赤ちゃんを抱っこします。o haha sa n ga aka cha n o da kko shi ma su

Mom holds the baby.

電車の中で、子どもを抱っこして立っています。den sha no naka de ko do mo o da kko shi te ta tte i ma su

I am standing on the train while holding my child in my arms.

Core concept

It centers on holding a person close against the body while supporting them with the arms.

Common phrases

  • 抱っこしてもらうda kko shi te mo ra u

    have someone hold one in their arms

Definition in Japanese

子どもなどを腕で抱きかかえること。ko do mo na do o ude de da ki ka ka e ru ko to

Word origin

The word 抱っこ (dakko, "holding in one's arms") comes from the verb 抱く (daku, "to hold in one's arms") as a familiar noun form used in everyday conversation.

Usage tips

  • The request 抱っこして (dakkoshite, "pick me up") shows how this noun appears in everyday speech when a child asks to be held.

Related words

  • 抱っこするdakkosuruhold in one's armsverb

Word lists with this word