子供
kodomo[ko̞do̞mo̞]
The English phrase "little kid" is translated into Japanese as 子供 (kodomo).
子供 is the most common and neutral term for "little kid" in Japanese. Other specific terms include 少年 for "little boys" and 少女 for "little girls."
Which one should you use?
While 子供 is a neutral term for a child, 坊や is a more affectionate or colloquial way to refer specifically to a little boy.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural form "kids" or "children," use 子供たち.
Did you know?
- In modern Japanese, the word 子供 is sometimes written in hiragana as こども to avoid a specific kanji that some people find exclusionary or discriminatory.
- Although it is used to mean a single 'child' today, the suffix -domo in 子供 was originally a grammatical marker used strictly to denote a plural group.
- The term 坊や can be used condescendingly toward an adult man to imply he is acting like a 'little kid'.
Examples in context
- トムは小さい子供です。Tom is a little kid.Tatoeba #11101237 by small_snow, translation #7737621 by CK
- 彼はとても可愛い子供です。He is a very cute little kid.
- あの小さい子供は誰ですか？Who is that little kid?
- あのちびっ子が元気に走っている。That little kid is running energetically.
- 可愛い子ちゃんが泣いています。A cute little kid is crying.
- あのちびがお菓子を食べているよ。That little kid is eating snacks.
- あそこに子供がいます。Asoko ni kodomo ga imasu.There is a little kid over there.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Kenta are walking through a park.
- 美咲 Misakiあそこに子供がいますね。Asoko ni kodomo ga imasu ne.There is a little kid over there, isn't there?
- 健太 Kentaはい、とても元気そうですね。Hai, totemo genki sou desu ne.Yes, he looks very energetic.
- 美咲 Misaki健太さんの弟さんですか？Kenta-san no otoutosan desu ka?Is he your younger brother, Kenta?
- 健太 Kentaいいえ、知らない子供です。Iie, shiranai kodomo desu.No, it's a kid I don't know.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 子供, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 子供, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
