Translation guide
The English word 'girl' can refer to a female child, a young woman, or be used in casual address. Japanese has different words depending on age, formality, and relationship.
Referring to a young female human, typically under about 12 years old.
The most common and neutral word for a young girl. Safe to use in most contexts.
あの女の子は私の妹です。
That girl is my younger sister.
公園で女の子たちが遊んでいる。
Girls are playing in the park.
A somewhat formal or literary term for a young girl, often used in writing or official contexts. Can refer to girls up to late teens.
その少女は赤い服を着ていた。
The girl was wearing red clothes.
Means 'daughter', but can sometimes be used to refer to a young girl in a paternalistic or affectionate way. Not a general term for 'girl'.
Do not use 娘 to mean 'girl' in general; it primarily means 'daughter'.
娘さんはおいくつですか？
How old is your daughter?
Referring to a female in her teens or twenties, often in casual or informal contexts.
Can also be used for young women, especially in casual speech. Context makes the age clear.
あの女の子、大学生かな？
That girl, is she a college student?
Means 'woman' or 'female'. More formal and adult than 女の子. Use when referring to a young adult woman politely.
Refers to a specific subculture of young women with trendy, often flashy fashion. Not a general term for 'girl'.
渋谷にはギャルがたくさんいる。
There are many gyaru in Shibuya.
Referring to a female romantic partner.
The standard word for 'girlfriend'. Also means 'she', so context is important.
彼女と映画を見に行った。
I went to see a movie with my girlfriend.
Referring to one's own female child.
The standard word for 'daughter'. Use 娘さん when referring to someone else's daughter politely.
娘は今年で10歳になります。
My daughter will be 10 years old this year.
娘さんはとても可愛いですね。
Your daughter is very cute.
Calling out to a female friend or acquaintance in a casual, friendly way.
In Japanese, you generally address people by name with an appropriate honorific rather than using a generic 'girl'. ちゃん is affectionate for close friends or children; さん is polite.
ゆきちゃん、ちょっと来て！
Hey Yuki, come here a sec!
An interjection like 'hey' used to get someone's attention. Can be used before a name or alone.
ねえ、聞いてる？
Hey, are you listening?
While 少女 means 'girl', it sounds literary or formal. In everyday conversation, 女の子 is much more natural for a young female child or teenager.
あの女の子、かわいいね。
That girl is cute, isn't she?
女の子 is the default for 'girl' (child/young woman). 少女 is formal/literary for a young girl. 女性 is 'woman' and used for adults. Choose based on age and formality.
女の子が遊んでいる。
A girl is playing.
少女漫画が好きです。
I like girls' comics (shoujo manga).
女性専用車両があります。
There are women-only train cars.
A young woman asked me for directions.
Loanword from English, used similarly to 彼女 but can sound slightly more casual or modern.
新しいガールフレンドができた。
I got a new girlfriend.