ボーイbooi

JLPT N3approx.Common
Definitions
  1. nounboy
  2. nounbellboy; porter; waiter
    ボーイさん、コーヒー3つください。↗
    Waiter, three coffees, please.
Synonyms & antonyms
  • RelatedギャルソンNeutralFrench loanword for a male waiter or bellboy, also 'boy'; has a stylish Western feel, but 「ウェイター」 is more common in everyday speech.
  • Related給仕きゅうじNeutralServing at a meal or the person who does it; also covers office errand staff of either sex. The word sounds rather old-fashioned.
  • RelatedポーターNeutralCarries luggage at stations and airports, and also works as a mountain porter; 「ボーイ」 centers on restaurant and hotel service staff.
  • RelatedウェイターNeutralA male server in Western-style restaurants and cafés; 「ボーイ」 also means a boy or a hotel bellboy.
  • Related赤帽あかぼうNeutralA red-capped porter who carries travelers' luggage at stations and airports; an older term — 「ポーター」 is usual today. Not used for restaurant servers.
  • AntonymガールNeutralAntonym meaning 'girl'; it contrasts with 「ボーイ」 only in the 'boy' sense, not in the waiter or bellboy sense.

For a male server in a Western restaurant, say 「ウェイター」; 「ボーイ」 also covers servers and bellboys. For carrying luggage, use 「ポーター」. When it means 'boy', the antonym is 「ガール」.

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

Japanese definitions
  1. 男の子おとこのこ。
  2. 給仕きゅうじの男性だんせい。
English equivalents

JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

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