Japanese word

坊や

Pronunciation

Romajibōya

Meaning

  • nounboy

Example

あの坊やは元気です。a no bō ya wa gen ki de su

That boy is energetic.

Illustration for 坊や (boy)

More examples

駅員は泣いている坊やを母親のところへ案内しました。eki in wa na i te i ru bō ya o haha oya no to ko ro e an nai shi ma shi ta

The station attendant guided the crying boy to his mother.

Core concept

Describes a boy in an affectionate familiar register, with the context sometimes identifying him as the speaker's or listener's son.

Common phrases

  • 坊やに声をかけるbō ya ni koe o ka ke ru

    speak to a boy

  • 坊やを連れてくるbō ya o tsu re te ku ru

    bring a boy

Similar words

男の子otokonoko: A male child or young boy in common everyday language.
少年shōnen: A male child or adolescent in a neutral or somewhat formal term.
男児danji: A male child described in formal or official language.

Definition in Japanese

年少の男児や自分の息子を、親しみを込めていう語。nen shō no dan ji ya ji bun no musuko o shita shi mi o ko me te i u go

Word origin

The word 坊や (bōya, "boy") consists of 坊 (bō, "boy or young child") plus the familiar ending や (ya).

Usage tips

  • 坊や (bōya) commonly describes a boy in a warm, familiar way, while its use for an adult can suggest that he is being treated as immature.

Other meanings

  • sonnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word