Was ist child? Aussprache und Verwendung im Englischen

Let's break down how to use the word "child" in English. It’s a fairly straightforward word, but understanding its different contexts and nuances will make you a more confident user.

1. Basic Definition:

• A child is a young human being who is not yet an adult. This is the core definition. It generally refers to someone between the ages of roughly 0 and 12 (though this can vary slightly by culture and context).

2. Common Uses & Examples:

• Referring to a young person:

  • "The child was playing in the park."
  • "She's a curious child."
  • "He's a bright child with a lot of potential."

• As a noun (the subject or object of a sentence):

  • "The child needs a nap."
  • "I saw a child fall down."
  • "My child is learning to read."

• Describing a relationship:

  • "He’s a father to three children." (referring to his offspring)
  • "She's a loving mother to her child."

• Referring to children in general:

  • "Children enjoy playing with toys."
  • "There are many children in the school."
  • "Childhood is a special time."

• In phrases:

  • Childhood: The period of someone's life as a child. “He remembers his childhood fondly.”
  • Childcare: The care of children. “We need to find affordable childcare.”
  • Child labor: The employment of children. (This is a serious issue and often a negative term.)
  • Child-friendly: Suitable for or appealing to children. “This park is child-friendly with a playground.”

3. Plural Forms:

• Children: This is the standard plural form.

  • "The children are going to the zoo."

• Child’s: Used as a possessive (showing belonging). Note the apostrophe – this is crucial!

  • “This is the child’s toy.” (The toy belongs to the child.)

4. Variations & Related Words:

• Infant: A very young child, often newborn to about 1 year old.
• Toddler: A young child, typically 1-3 years old, who is just starting to walk and talk.
• Youth: A young person (often used for teenagers). While technically not a "child," it's sometimes used in a similar context.
• Kid: (Informal) A shortened, more casual term for "child."

5. Important Considerations & Nuances:

• Respectful Language: When speaking about children, it’s generally considered respectful to avoid using overly casual or potentially demeaning terms. "Child" is usually the best choice.

• Context Matters: The best word to use can depend on the situation and your audience.

Resources for Further Learning:

• Merriam-Webster Dictionary: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/child
• Oxford Learner's Dictionaries: https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/child

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

• What are you trying to do with the word "child"? (e.g., write a story, have a conversation, understand a text?)
• Is there a specific context you're interested in? (e.g., child development, parenting, social issues related to children?)