王子（おうじ、ouji）
- prince

The Japanese word 王子 (おうじ, *ōji*) primarily means "prince." It refers to a male member of a royal family, usually the son of a king or queen. The term implies nobility, status, and often, the expectation of someday inheriting the throne or holding a position of power. 王子 can also be used more figuratively to describe a man who is admired or treated with special deference, like a "prince charming."

⚫︎彼は王子の教育を受けている。 Translation: He is receiving the education of a prince. ⚫︎おとぎ話の王子様は勇敢だった。 Translation: The prince in the fairy tale was brave. ⚫︎彼女にとって、彼はまるで[王子]様みたい。 Translation: For her, he is like a [prince].

You use 王子 when referring to actual princes, characters in stories, or, in a more metaphorical sense, someone who is treated or behaves like a prince. It's important to consider the context to determine the exact meaning. You would use [王子] in a formal conversation.

⚫︎The word 王子 is typically written with the kanji 王子 and read as おうじ in hiragana. ⚫︎There are no significant variations in the okurigana.

⚫︎皇子 (*ōji*): This word also means "prince," but it specifically refers to a prince of the imperial family. The nuance here is slightly more formal and often used for the children of the Emperor. ⚫︎殿下 (*denka*): While not a direct synonym, 殿下 is a title of respect used when addressing a prince.

⚫︎王女 (*ōjo*): Princess. The female equivalent of a prince. ⚫︎庶民 (*shomin*): Commoner, the opposite of someone of royal descent.

その[王子]は国民にとても愛されていた。 ・Translation: That [prince] was very loved by the people. ・Explanation: This sentence describes a [prince] who has earned the affection of his nation.

彼は[王子]様のように振る舞った。 ・Translation: He behaved like a [prince]. ・Explanation: This sentence uses [王子] metaphorically to describe someone who has a regal demeanor or is treated with special attention.

The word 王子 is formed from two kanji: 王 (*ō*), meaning "king" or "monarch," and 子 (*ji*), meaning "child" or "son." Therefore, the literal meaning is "king's son."