Japanese for Kids · Level 9
90 words
Japanese word
男の子
Pronunciation
Romajiotokonoko
Meaning
- nounboy
Example
あの男の子は友だちです。a no otoko no ko wa tomo da chi de su
That boy is my friend.
More examples
その男の子は公園でサッカーをしています。so no otoko no ko wa kō en de sa kkā o shi te i ma su
That boy is playing soccer in the park.
Core concept
It focuses on the male identity of a child or young person.
Common phrases
男の子と女の子otoko no ko to onna no ko
boys and girls
男の子が生まれるotoko no ko ga u ma re ru
a boy is born
Similar words
少年shōnen: A boy or young male, often described in formal or literary contexts.
ぼうやbōya: A young boy referred to in a familiar manner.
男児danji: A male child referred to in formal or official language.
Definition in Japanese
男児や少年を指す呼び方。dan ji ya shō nen o sa su yo bi kata
Word origin
男 (otoko, "man") and 子 (ko, "child") combine with の (no), and the phrase describes a child viewed as male.
Usage tips
- A speaker may use 男の子 (otokonoko) for an unfamiliar male child, so the word does not require knowing the child's name.
Other meanings
- sonnoun
Opposites
- 女の子onnanokogirlnoun