남자아이
namjaai[na̠md͡ʑa̠a̠i]
The English phrase 'little boy' is translated into Korean as 남자아이 (namjaai). It is also spelled 남자애 (namjaae).
Meaning: a diminutive male child (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 남자아이 | namjaai | [na̠md͡ʑa̠a̠i] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 남자애 | namjaae | [na̠md͡ʑa̠ɛ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [na̠md͡ʑa̠e̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
alternative form |
The term refers to a diminutive male child. While 남자아이 is a standard term, other words are used depending on the social context: 소년 is used in formal contexts for school-aged boys and 꼬마 is an affectionate, endearing way to refer to a little boy in informal settings.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 남자아이 is a compound of 남자, meaning man and 아이, meaning child.
Which one should you use?
남자아이 is the standard, more formal way to say 'boy'. Its contraction, 남자애, is much more common in casual, spoken conversation.
How do you pronounce it?
namjaai
Did you know?
- Using the more formal 소년 to describe a boy can make a person sound like a novelist or a news reporter rather than a person in a social setting.
- In some contexts, calling a boy 꼬마 can be seen as slightly patronizing if the child is older, even if intended affectionately.
- When referring to a 'little boy' in a way that emphasizes his cuteness, Koreans might use the word 애기 instead of 아이.
Examples in context
- 우리 꼬마는 매일 놀이터에서 뛰어다닙니다.Our little boy runs around the playground every day.
- 저 남자아이는 누구예요?jeo namja-ai-neun nuguyeyo?Who is that little boy?
- 귀여운 남자아이가 놀고 있어요.gwiyeoun namja-ai-ga nolgo isseoyo.A cute little boy is playing.
- 그 남자아이는 아주 용감해요.geu namja-ai-neun aju yonggamhaeyo.That little boy is very brave.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Minji are watching children at a park.
- 지훈 Ji-hun저기 달리는 남자아이가 보여요?jeogi dallineun namja-ai-ga boyeoyo?Do you see that little boy running over there?
- 민지 Min-ji네, 정말 빨라요!ne, jeongmal ppallayo!Yes, he is really fast!
- 지훈 Ji-hun민지 씨는 저 남자아이가 귀엽다고 생각해요?Minji ssi-neun jeo namja-ai-ga gwiyeopdago saenggakhaeyo?Minji, do you think that little boy is cute?
- 민지 Min-ji네, 정말 귀여운 남자아이예요.ne, jeongmal gwiyeoun namja-ai-yeyo.Yes, he is a very cute little boy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “little boy” translations and entries 남자아이, 남자애, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
