Entry
バブバブ
babubabu
This word mimics the babbling sounds made by infants before they learn to speak.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
バブバブ is a phonomime (giseigo) that represents the repetitive, meaningless sounds a baby makes. It is the Japanese equivalent of 'goo-goo ga-ga'.
- Baby babbling
- Acting like a baby
Sense Map
Baby Babbling
Mimicking the vocalizations of a human infant.
赤ちゃんがバブバブと声を出している。
Childish Behavior
Used teasingly or critically to describe an adult acting overly spoiled or babyish.
いい大人がバブバブ言わないで。
Usage Note
How to Use
バブバブ言う
The most common pattern to describe the act of babbling.
バブバブと + Verb
Used to modify verbs that accompany the baby's sounds, such as laughing (笑う).
バブバブ期 (Noun)
As a compound noun to refer to the babbling phase of an infant.
How to Use
Common Phrases
バブバブ言う
to babble like a baby
バブバブと声を出す
to make baby noises
バブバブ笑う
to laugh while babbling (infant)
バブバブ期
the babbling phase of a baby
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| A baby playing | Positive/Neutral | Describes the adorable sound of an infant cooing and exploring their voice. |
| A spoiled adult | Negative/Joking | Used to make fun of someone acting helpless or childishly demanding. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ばぶー ばぶー / similar | Similar baby sound, but focuses on a single short cry or exclamation. | バブバブ suggests continuous, repetitive babbling rather than a single sound. | 赤ちゃんがバブーと泣く。 |
ひーひー ひーひー / similar | Used for high-pitched crying (like a baby) or gasping for breath. | Not a happy babble, but rather a sound of distress or intense effort. | 赤ちゃんがヒーヒー泣いている。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for an adult mumbling or speaking unclearly.
バブバブ is strictly for babies. For adult mumbling, use words like ブツブツ (butsubutsu) or モゴモゴ (mogomogo).
Pairing it with logical speech verbs like 話す.
It pairs much more naturally with 言う (to say) or 声を出す (to make a sound).
Examples
Examples
赤ちゃんが機嫌よくバブバブ言っている。
あかちゃんがきげんよくバブバブいっている。
The baby is babbling cheerfully.
LiteralShows a baby in a good mood.
母親が赤ちゃんに「バブバブ」と話しかけた。
ははおやがあかちゃんに「バブバブ」とはなしかけた。
The mother spoke "goo-goo" to her baby.
LiteralExample of using baby talk to interact.
彼はまだバブバブとしか声を出せない。
かれはまだバブバブとしかこえをだせない。
He can only make babbling sounds so far.
LiteralExplains the developmental stage of an infant.
いい大人がバブバブ甘えるのはみっともない。
いいおとながバブバブあまえるのはみっともない。
It's shameful for a grown adult to act as spoiled as a baby.
FigurativeUsed to criticize an adult's overly dependent behavior.
彼はバブバブと言いながらおもちゃで遊んでいる。
かれはバブバブといいながらおもちゃであそんでいる。
He is playing with his toys while babbling.
LiteralDescribes a typical baby activity.
Similar Words
Questions
Can I use バブバブ for pet noises?
Generally no. This word is very specific to human infants mimicking speech.
What is the difference between バブバブ and バブー?
Both are baby sounds, but バブバブ implies continuous, repetitive babbling, while バブー is more like a single cry or coo.
Is it appropriate to use this in formal writing?
No, it is a very casual, spoken word. Avoid it in formal contexts.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2842619
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- バブー (babuu)
- Next entry
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