女の子 — meaning in English: girl

onna no ko · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for girl

女の子

onna no ko

弁護士

bengoshi

設定

settei

レイプ

reipu

熱意

netsui

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informal very common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 女の子 (onna no ko) in various informal settings, such as when talking about young girls in everyday conversations. For instance, a parent might refer to their daughter as 女の子 when discussing her with friends. It’s also commonly used in anime and manga to depict female characters, making it relatable for fans of Japanese pop culture.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 女 (onna), which simply means 'woman' or 'female.' However, 女の子 specifically refers to a girl, emphasizing youth and innocence. You would choose 女の子 when you're specifically talking about younger females, whereas 女 might be more appropriate for adult women.

Culture

The word 女の子 (onna no ko) literally translates to 'female child,' highlighting the importance of gender in the Japanese language. Cultural nuances often dictate how this term is used; for example, it can denote innocence and sweetness, often associated with youth in Japan. Interestingly, this term can be a part of many idiomatic expressions in Japanese, showcasing the playful and affectionate ways people refer to girls in various contexts.

FAQ

Q.What is the difference between 女 and 女の子 in Japanese?

女 (onna) is a general term for 'woman' or 'female,' while 女の子 (onna no ko) specifically means 'girl,' indicating a younger female. Use 女の子 when referring to young girls to capture that nuance.

Q.Can I use 女の子 in a formal setting?

女の子 is primarily informal, so it may not be suitable for formal contexts. In more formal situations, you might want to use terms like 女性 (josei) which means 'woman.'

Q.How do I pronounce 女の子 correctly?

女の子 is pronounced as 'onna no ko.' Break it down into syllables: 'on-na no ko,' ensuring to give each syllable clear pronunciation for accurate understanding.

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