王子
Meaning: 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).
Examples
- あの俳優、王子って呼ばれてるの納得だわ。 那个演员被叫做王子,确实名副其实。Entiendo que a ese actor le llamen «príncipe».그 배우, 王子라고 불리는 거 납득이야.
- 今日の推し完全に王子様じゃん。 今天的推简直就是王子殿下嘛。Hoy mi oshi es literalmente un príncipe.오늘 최애 완전 王子様이잖아.
- 白馬の王子キャラなんだけど実は天然なのがいい。 虽然是白马王子人设,但其实是个天然呆,这点很棒。Tiene un personaje de príncipe de cuento, pero lo bueno es que en realidad es un despistado natural.백마 탄 王子 캐릭터인데 실은 천연인 게 좋아.
Pronunciation
/o.u.ji/
Usage Guide
Context: fan communities, social media, friends
Tone: adoring, playful
✓ Do Say
- 今日のスーツ姿、完全に王子だね。 (In today's suit look, you're totally a prince.)今天穿西装的样子,完全就是王子啊。(今天的西装造型,你完全就是王子。)Con el traje de hoy estás hecho un auténtico príncipe.오늘 수트 입은 모습, 완전 王子네. (오늘 수트 자태가 완전 왕자야.)
- 推しは永遠の王子様。 (My oshi is an eternal prince.)推是永远的王子殿下。(我的推是永远的王子。)Mi oshi es un príncipe eterno.최애는 영원한 王子様. (내 최애는 영원한 왕자님이야.)
✗ Don't Say
- 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)当面叫人'王子'有些人会不好意思(当面叫某人'王子'可能会让对方害羞尴尬)Llamar «ōji» a alguien a la cara puede avergonzar a algunas personas.본인 앞에서 대놓고 「王子」라고 하면 부끄러워하는 사람도 있다 (면전에서 '王子'라고 부르면 쑥스러워하는 사람도 있다)
Common Mistakes
- Using 王子 sarcastically for someone who is arrogant — while possible, it is more commonly a sincere compliment
Origin & History
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.
Cultural Context
Era: 2000s idol culture
Generation: Teens to 30s, fan communities
Social background: Fan/entertainment subculture
Regional notes: Used across all of Japan. Especially common in idol fandom and entertainment media.
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