Translation guide
The English word "boy" refers to a male child or young man. In Japanese, the best translation depends on age, formality, and context. The most common and neutral word is 男の子 (otoko no ko). For older boys or young men, 少年 (shōnen) is used, especially in formal or written contexts. In casual speech, especially when addressing a boy directly, ぼく (boku) or 君 (kimi) can be used, but these are pronouns and carry nuances of familiarity or position. There are also affectionate or diminutive terms like 坊や (bōya).
Referring to a male child, typically up to around elementary school age.
The standard, neutral word for a boy. Safe to use in almost any context.
That boy is energetic, isn't he?
A slightly more formal or literary term for a boy, often used for older children or young teens. Common in written language, news, and official contexts.
An affectionate term for a little boy, often used by parents or older people. Can sound patronizing if used for older boys.
Referring to a male in his teens or early adulthood, often in a casual or colloquial way.
Calling out to or getting the attention of a boy, or referring to him in the second person.
The most natural and polite way to address a boy is by his name with the honorific くん (kun). This is standard for boys and young men in many social settings.
Takeshi, come here a moment.
Referring to one's own son, regardless of age.
The standard word for 'son'. Used when talking about your own son to others.
Referring to a male romantic partner, often in casual English.
The standard word for 'boyfriend'. Not to be confused with 'boy' in the child sense.
男の子 (otoko no ko) is the everyday word for a boy, suitable for casual conversation. 少年 (shōnen) is more formal and often used in writing, news, or legal contexts. For example, a news report would use 少年, while a parent talking about their child would use 男の子.
A boy is crying. (casual)
The boy is reading a book.
Boys are playing in the park.
その少年は勇敢だった。
The boy was brave.
Juvenile crime is increasing.
Little boy, come here.
Can still be used for teenagers in casual contexts, though it may sound slightly childish for older teens.
That boy is a high school student.
Appropriate for teenagers, especially in formal or written contexts. Often used in legal or official terms (e.g., 少年法, juvenile law).
He is still a boy.
Means 'youth' or 'young man', typically for late teens to early twenties. More formal and less common for casual 'boy'.
The young men participated in volunteer work.
Used by adult men or older boys to address a young boy in a friendly, somewhat paternal way. Can also be used as a first-person pronoun by boys themselves.
Using ぼく to address a boy you don't know well can be overly familiar. Stick to name+くん if unsure.
What's your name, boy?
A second-person pronoun meaning 'you', often used by adults to address boys or younger males. Can sound condescending or intimate depending on context.
Boy, what are you doing?
My son will be 10 this year.
Polite form used when referring to someone else's son.
How old is your son?
A somewhat old-fashioned, affectionate term for a son, especially from a wealthy or respected family. Can also be used by servants or in teasing.
Where is the young master?
I got a boyfriend.
Can mean 'he' or 'boyfriend' depending on context. Often used with possessive 私の (my).
My boyfriend is kind.
A boy has gone missing. (news report)
The loanword ボーイ (bōi) is not used to mean a male child. It typically refers to a male attendant (e.g., hotel bellboy) or is part of compound words like ボーイフレンド (boyfriend). Using it for a child would be unnatural.
hotel bellboy
In Japanese, it's common to omit the subject when it's clear from context. Instead of saying 'the boy' repeatedly, use the boy's name or simply drop the subject. For example, 'The boy went to school. He was happy.' could be: 男の子は学校に行った。嬉しそうだった。 (Otoko no ko wa gakkō ni itta. Ureshisō datta.)
Boys will be boys.
A direct translation that captures the meaning, though the idiom is not as common in Japanese.
I saw a boy running.