王子

• 読み: おうじ
• ローマ字: ōji
• 漢字の分解: 王 (king) + 子 (child) → prince; used figuratively for a charming, princely man
• 発音: /o.u.ji/

意味

Prince — used as a nickname or compliment for a charming, handsome, or princely guy.

In slang usage, 王子 goes beyond the literal 'prince' to describe a guy who is exceptionally handsome, charming, or elegant. Common in idol and fandom culture where male celebrities are given the 王子 title. Can be used sincerely (for someone genuinely prince-like) or playfully (for a friend who cleans up well). Often appears in compound nicknames like 王子様 (prince + honorific for extra fairy-tale feeling).

例文

1. あの俳優、王子って呼ばれてるの納得だわ。
2. 今日の推し完全に王子様じゃん。
3. 白馬の王子キャラなんだけど実は天然なのがいい。

使い方ガイド

場面: fan communities, social media, friends

トーン: adoring, playful

正しい言い方

• 今日のスーツ姿、完全に王子だね。 (In today's suit look, you're totally a prince.)
• 推しは永遠の王子様。 (My oshi is an eternal prince.)

避ける言い方

• 本人に面と向かって「王子」は照れる人もいる (Calling someone 'ōji' to their face can embarrass some people)

よくある間違い

• Using 王子 sarcastically for someone who is arrogant — while possible, it is more commonly a sincere compliment

起源と歴史

The literal meaning is 'prince' (王 king + 子 child). The slang usage as a compliment for handsome men developed through idol culture and media in the 2000s. Fans would nickname their favourite male idols 王子 or 王子様 for their princely looks or demeanour.

文化的背景

時代: 2000s idol culture

世代: Teens to 30s, fan communities

社会的背景: Fan/entertainment subculture

地域メモ: Used across all of Japan. Especially common in idol fandom and entertainment media.