How to Say “Boyfriend” in Japanese

Gaining language proficiency opens up a world of possibilities, including building meaningful connections with people from different cultures. If you’re learning Japanese, you might want to learn how to say “boyfriend” to express your relationship status or simply to enhance your language skills. In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to say “boyfriend” in Japanese, including formal and informal terms. While regional variations exist to some extent, we’ll focus on commonly used phrases in Japan.

Formal Ways to Say “Boyfriend”

When it comes to formal language, Japanese offers a couple of options to refer to a boyfriend. These terms are suitable for more formal or polite contexts:

1. 彼氏 (kareshi): This is the most commonly used word for “boyfriend” in Japanese. It’s a neutral term used by people of all ages and is widely recognized throughout Japan. You can use this term in any formal or informal situation.
2. 恋人 (koibito): This term translates to “lover” and can be used to refer to a boyfriend or girlfriend. It carries a slightly more poetic or romantic connotation than 彼氏 (kareshi). While it can be used interchangeably with 彼氏 (kareshi), the word 恋人 (koibito) is more commonly used in written or literary contexts.

Informal Ways to Say “Boyfriend”

When talking in a casual or informal setting, you might want to use less formal terms. Here are a few options to refer to your boyfriend in Japanese:

1. 彼 (kare): This word, which translates to “he” or “him,” can be used to refer to a boyfriend in a casual context. While 彼 (kare) can mean “boyfriend,” it can also simply mean “he” or “him” depending on the context, so be aware of the conversation topic.
2. 彼氏 (kareshi): Although 彼氏 (kareshi) was mentioned earlier as a formal term, it is also commonly used in casual conversations, especially among friends and peers.
3. ボーイフレンド (boifurendo): This is the Japanese transliteration of the English word “boyfriend.” While it might sound somewhat “foreign” to native Japanese speakers, it is widely understood, particularly among younger generations influenced by Western culture.

Regional Variations

In different regions of Japan, you may come across variations in how people refer to their boyfriends. It’s important to note that these variations might sound unfamiliar to people from other regions:

Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto, and surrounding areas)

In the Kansai region, a common term for “boyfriend” is ダンナ (danna). This term is derived from the Kansai dialect and is used among friends, but it might not be widely recognized or understood by people from other regions of Japan.

Tokyo and Eastern Japan

In Tokyo and Eastern Japan, 彼 (kare), 彼氏 (kareshi), and ボーイフレンド (boifurendo) are generally the most common ways to refer to a boyfriend, as mentioned earlier. These terms are well-understood in both formal and informal situations.

Examples in Context

To illustrate the usage of these terms, let’s take a look at a few examples:

Example 1:

Formal: 彼氏がいます。 (Kareshi ga imasu.)

Informal: ボーイフレンドがいるよ。 (Boifurendo ga iru yo.)

Translation: I have a boyfriend.

Example 2:

Formal: 私の彼氏は優しいです。 (Watashi no kareshi wa yasashii desu.)

Informal: 彼が優しいんだよ。 (Kare ga yasashii nda yo.)

Translation: My boyfriend is kind.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to say “boyfriend” in Japanese allows you to express your relationship status and communicate more effectively. Remember that 彼氏 (kareshi) is the most common and versatile term used across Japan, while 彼 (kare) is suitable for casual conversations and among friends. Incorporating these terms into your Japanese vocabulary will help you smoothly navigate various social situations.

While regional variations exist, remember that they might not be understood universally, so stick to the commonly used terms mentioned above unless you’re in a specific regional context. Enjoy your journey of learning Japanese and exploring its rich cultural nuances!