幼児語(ようじご)

幼児語(ようじご) refers to the simplified vocabulary that small children use or that adults use when speaking to small children. It is a neutral, descriptive term.

Forms

幼児(ようじ) (infant, small child) + 語(ご) (language, word)

Common examples

• わんわん: doggy (from the barking sound)
• にゃんにゃん: kitty
• ぶーぶー: car (from the engine sound)
• まんま: food, meal
• ねんね: sleep, bedtime
• おんも: outside (外(そと))
• おべべ: clothes

Characteristics

Japanese baby talk often features repeated sounds (onomatopoeia), simplified pronunciation, and substitution of difficult sounds. Many words are based on sounds associated with the object.

Usage

Used in child development, linguistics, parenting, and everyday conversation about children's speech. Adults gradually reduce 幼児語(ようじご) as children grow, typically phasing it out by school age.

Related words

• 赤(あか)ちゃん言葉(ことば): baby talk (more casual synonym)
• 敬語(けいご): honorific language (another speech register)