女の子（おんなのこ、onnanoko）
- girl

The word 女の子 (おんなのこ) means "girl" or "young woman." It specifically refers to a female child or adolescent. It implies a person who is typically considered to be in the period of childhood through teenage years. It is a common and generally neutral term.

⚫︎ あの女の子は私の妹です。 Translation: That [girl] is my younger sister. ⚫︎公園でたくさんの女の子が遊んでいます。 Translation: Many [girls] are playing in the park. ⚫︎ 私は小さい頃、女の子の人形が好きでした。 Translation: When I was little, I liked [girl] dolls.

This word is appropriate in most situations when referring to female children or teenagers. You can use it in casual conversations, formal settings, or written text. It is a very common word and doesn't carry any negative connotations unless used in a specific context that implies otherwise. Be aware that the age range of a 女の子 can be subjective and may vary. Generally speaking, the term might be used for females up to their late teens. However, it is always a good idea to consider the context of the conversation and the specific situation.

⚫︎ Hiragana: おんなのこ ⚫︎ Kanji: 女の子 (The kanji form is the most common and preferred way to write it.) ⚫︎ Katakana: This word is not typically written in katakana, except for emphasis or stylistic purposes. ⚫︎ Okurigana: The okurigana (送り仮名), which is "の" in this case, remains the same.

⚫︎ 少女 (しょうじょ): This word also means "girl," but it can sometimes carry a slightly more literary or formal tone. ⚫︎ 女子 (じょし): This term means "female" and is used in a more general way; it can refer to girls or women. ⚫︎ 娘 (むすめ): Means "daughter," but can also be used to refer to a girl, especially in relation to someone.

⚫︎ 男の子 (おとこのこ): This word means "boy." ⚫︎ 男性 (だんせい): Means "male" or "man."

その女の子はとても可愛らしい笑顔をしていました。 ・Translation: That [girl] had a very lovely smile. ・Explanation: This sentence uses 女の子 to describe a specific young female, highlighting her appearance.

彼女は将来、女の子向けの小説家になりたいと思っています。 ・Translation: She hopes to become a novelist for [girls] in the future. ・Explanation: The sentence clarifies that the writer wants to write for a particular demographic, using 女の子.

The word is a compound of two elements: 女 (おんな), meaning "woman" or "female," and 子 (こ), which means "child" or "young person." Therefore, 女の子 literally means "woman child" or, more naturally, "girl".