Meaning and Usage
"男の子" (おとこのこ) specifically refers to a male child or boy, typically from infancy up to early teens. It is a common, neutral term used in everyday conversation.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "男の子" when talking about children in family, school, or playground settings. It contrasts with "女の子" (girl).
Collocations and Patterns
- 男の子たち (おとこのこたち): plural form meaning "boys".
- 男の子の服 (おとこのこのふく): "boys’ clothes".
- あの男の子 (あのおとこのこ): "that boy".
Register and Nuance
This word is informal to neutral and appropriate in most everyday situations. It is not used for adult men.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "男の子" with "男性" (だんせい), which means "man" or "male adult." Remember "男の子" is for boys, not grown men.