男の子

• Reading: おとこのこ
• Romaji: otokonoko
• Kanji breakdown: 男 (otoko) — man, male; 子 (ko) — child
• Pronunciation: /o.to.ko.no.ko/

Meaning

Boy; male child. Used for young boys.

A compound expression combining 男 (man/male) with の子 (child of). Refers to boys typically from infancy through early teens. For older males, 男性 (dansei) or 男 (otoko) is more appropriate. The の particle here indicates a descriptive relationship.

Examples

1. あの男の子はとても元気ですね。 That boy is really energetic, isn't he?
2. 男の子が三人走っています。 Three boys are running.
3. 隣の家に男の子が生まれました。 A baby boy was born at the house next door.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, talking about children, family

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

A compound of 男 (otoko, 'male') + の (possessive/descriptive particle) + 子 (ko, 'child'). A straightforward descriptive construction meaning 'child who is male.'

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal