Translation guide
The English term "old boy" can refer to a male alumnus of a school, an elderly man, or a former male member of a group. In Japanese, different expressions are used depending on the intended meaning.
Referring to a male graduate or former student of a school, especially in the context of alumni networks.
Wasei-eigo (Japanese-made English) abbreviation of 'old boy'. Commonly used in Japan to refer to male alumni of schools, clubs, or companies. Often used in compound terms like 'OB会' (alumni association).
彼は私たちの学校のOBです。
He is an old boy of our school.
Referring to an old man, often affectionately or informally.
Referring to a man who was formerly part of a group, organization, or team.
Direct translation meaning 'former member'. Clear and widely understood. Can be used for any group.
彼はそのバンドの元メンバーです。
He is an old boy of that band.
As with alumni, OB can be extended to former members of clubs, teams, or companies, especially in traditional Japanese contexts.
The English phrase 'old boy' cannot be directly translated into Japanese as '古い少年' (furui shōnen), which would mean 'old (aged) boy' and is nonsensical. Always choose the appropriate term based on context.
OB is a wasei-eigo term specifically for male alumni, while 卒業生 is gender-neutral and more formal. In modern usage, OB is sometimes replaced by 'OG' for female alumni (old girl), but 卒業生 remains the safest choice for mixed-gender groups.
General term for 'graduate' or 'alumnus'. Gender-neutral and more formal than OB. Can be used for any school level.
彼は本校の卒業生です。
He is an old boy of this school.
Refers to a fellow alumnus or alumna, emphasizing the shared school experience. Often used in the context of reunions or alumni networks.
彼は私の同窓生です。
He is my old boy (schoolmate).
Common and polite term for an elderly man. Can be used for one's own grandfather or any old man. The prefix 'お' adds politeness.
あのおじいさんは毎日公園を散歩しています。
That old boy takes a walk in the park every day.
Neutral term for an elderly person, but can sound blunt or impersonal. Often used in formal or written contexts.
その老人は静かに座っていた。
The old boy sat quietly.
Casual and somewhat rough term for an old man. Can be affectionate or derogatory depending on context. Used among close friends or family.
隣のじいさんがまた怒ってるよ。
The old boy next door is angry again.
彼は野球部のOBです。
He is an old boy of the baseball club.
Refers to a senior or long-standing member, not necessarily a former member. Can imply experience or old-timer status. Use with caution as it doesn't exactly mean 'former'.
This word means 'senior member' or 'veteran', not 'former member'. It may be misunderstood if used to mean 'old boy' in the sense of ex-member.
彼はこの会社の古参だ。
He is an old boy at this company (long-time member).