ма́льчик
málʹčikmasculine
The Russian word for boy is ма́льчик (málʹčik). Wiktionary also lists паца́н (pacán).
Meaning: male child (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ма́льчик | málʹčik | masculine |
| паца́н | pacán | masculine, slang |
The term is used to refer to a male child.
Which one should you use?
ма́льчик is the standard, neutral term for a young male child. In contrast, паца́н is a slang term for a boy or young man, often implying a certain level of street toughness or a specific social subculture.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
паца́н is a slang term used in informal conversations. Another related term is Мальчишка, which is an informal, affectionate and slightly diminutive form of boy.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of ма́льчик is ма́льчики.
How do you pronounce it?
málʹčik
Did you know?
- In Russian, the word ма́льчик can be used to refer to a waiter or a delivery person in a way that sounds dismissive or patronizing, regardless of the man's age.
- The word паца́н is often associated with the concept of 'street smarts' or 'honor among thieves' in Russian urban folklore.
- In Russian, calling a grown man a мальчик is a very common way to patronize or belittle him, suggesting he is behaving like a child.
Examples in context
- Я вижу мальчика в парке.I see a boy in the park.
- Он храбрый парень.He is a brave boy.
- Мы хорошо провели время с мальчишками.We had a good time with the boys.
- Как дела, пацаны?What's up, boys?
- Этот ма́льчик очень весёлый.Etot mal'chik ochen' vesyolyy.This boy is very cheerful.
- Ма́льчик играет в парке.Mal'chik igrayet v parke.The boy is playing in the park.
- У неё есть маленький ма́льчик.U neyo yest' malen'kiy mal'chik.She has a little boy.
Example conversation
A couple is walking in a park and sees a child.
- Екатерина EkaterinaСмотри, какой симпатичный ма́льчик!Smotri, kakoy simpatichnyy mal'chik!Look, what a cute boy!
- Сергей SergeyДа, он быстро бежит.Da, on bystro bezhit.Yes, he is running fast.
- Екатерина EkaterinaСергей, ты видел его мяч?Sergey, ty videl yego myach?Sergey, did you see his ball?
- Сергей SergeyНет, я не видел.Net, ya ne videl.No, I didn't see it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “boy” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
