noun
Archaic or literary term for a very young child; in modern Japanese, 赤ちゃん or 幼児 are more common.
昔話には、稚児が不思議な力を持つ話がよく出てくる。
In old tales, stories of infants with mysterious powers often appear.
noun
pageboy; page
Historical term for a boy attendant in a noble or samurai household, or a child participating in religious ceremonies.
中世の寺院では、稚児が重要な役割を果たしていた。
In medieval temples, pageboys played an important role.
noun
child in a festival procession
Refers to children dressed in traditional costumes who participate in matsuri processions, often carrying mikoshi or performing dances.
祇園祭では、稚児が馬に乗って行列に加わる。
At the Gion Festival, children in traditional attire join the procession on horseback.
Compound of 稚 (young, immature) and 児 (child). The reading ちご is a kun'yomi-based compound reading. The term has been used since the Heian period, originally for young children and later for child attendants and festival participants.