How to say "lad" in Japanese

• 小僧こぞうCommon
  nounCovers 'lad' as a youngster or boy, but usually with a dismissive edge — closer to 'brat' than an affectionate 'lad'. Typical when an older speaker refers to or scolds a boy.
  また僕ぼくをかつごうとしているのかい、このいたずら小僧こぞうめ。↗

  Are you going to play tricks on me again, you naughty boy?
• 兄ちゃんにいちゃんCommon
  nounAddresses a young man in a friendly way — the 'sonny' or 'lad' sense, as when a shopkeeper calls out to a young customer; an address form rather than a neutral word for 'a lad'.
  兄にいちゃん、こっち生なま中二ちゅうにつー。↗

  Kiddo! Two medium-size drafts here.

Use 小僧 for a boy or youngster seen dismissively, close to 'brat', and 「兄ちゃん」 to address a young man in a friendly way, like 'sonny'; neither is a neutral, affectionate 'lad'.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 小僧こぞうyoungster
• 若い衆わかいしゅyoung man
• 坊主ぼうずboy
• 兄ちゃんにいちゃんyoung man
• お兄ちゃんおにいちゃんlad