Translation guide
The English word 'kid' can refer to a child or young person, a young goat, or be used as a verb meaning to tease or joke. This guide focuses on the most common meaning for learners: referring to a child.
To refer to a child in a casual, informal way, similar to 'kid' in English.
The most common and neutral word for 'child'. It can be used in both casual and formal contexts, but it's the standard equivalent for 'kid'.
あの子供は元気だね。
That kid is energetic, isn't he?
子供の頃、よくここで遊んだ。
When I was a kid, I used to play here a lot.
A shorter, more literary or formal word for 'child'. Often used in compounds or written language. In casual speech, it can sound a bit stiff.
この子はとても賢い。
This kid is very smart.
A very informal, often derogatory term for 'kid' or 'brat'. Used mainly by adults to refer to misbehaving children or in rough male speech. Can be offensive.
This word can be rude. Avoid using it unless you are very familiar with the context and the people you're speaking to.
うるさいガキだな。
What a noisy kid.
The hiragana spelling of 子供, often used in more casual or child-friendly contexts. It has the same meaning and usage.
子どもたちが公園で遊んでいる。
The kids are playing in the park.
To refer to a young goat, the literal meaning of 'kid'.
The standard term for a young goat. It literally means 'child goat'.
子ヤギが牧場で跳ね回っている。
The kids are frolicking in the pasture.
To say something as a joke, often to tease someone playfully.
The most common verb for 'to tease' or 'to kid'. It implies playful, light-hearted teasing.
彼はいつも私をからかう。
He's always kidding me.
からかわないでよ。
Stop kidding around.
Literally 'to say a joke'. This is a more direct way to say 'to kid' or 'to joke'. It can be used when you want to clarify that you're not serious.
冗談を言ってるだけだよ。
I'm just kidding.
A common phrase meaning 'You're kidding, right?' or 'Are you joking?' Used to express disbelief.
冗談でしょ？本当に？
You're kidding, right? Really?
The English verb 'to kid' does not have a direct single-word equivalent in Japanese. Using 子供 (child) as a verb is incorrect. Use からかう (to tease) or 冗談を言う (to joke) instead.
彼は私をからかった。
He was kidding me.
Both mean 'child', but 子供 (こども) is the everyday word, while 子 (こ) is more formal and often used in written language or set phrases. For 'kid', 子供 is almost always the better choice.
子供たちは外で遊んでいる。
The kids are playing outside.
この子は私の娘です。
This child is my daughter. (formal)